tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73826379910409581732024-03-05T09:07:42.294-08:00JDA's Creative MomentsJamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-63983246501991311852023-11-29T13:17:00.000-08:002023-11-29T13:17:18.837-08:00Return from India<p> Coming back from India on November 25th, I felt so tired that I was in bed whole day and night. We had guests for dinner and I couldn't join the party as I was too tired. Today I feel better and now busy with my computer with input from my journey from India. </p><p>Still I don't feel much active and feel like resting. </p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-6199889830984099712023-05-01T20:00:00.002-07:002023-05-01T20:00:58.889-07:00My April schedule<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 18px;">April activities.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"> I left SFO on March 24th to visit my son and daughter in Toronto.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Next day after my arrival my son Jibesh and daughter in law Rachna organized birthday celebration for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sayaa and me. Lata, Bianca, Pocca came to attend celebration at Jibesh’s house. We had a good time together. The days passed and on 29th we (Jibesh and I) went to see Brayden and had lunch together. After coming back home I had gone of a long walk. Rachna made dosa. On 30th March I spent with Lata and went to downtown to watch a movie. On 31st I gave Sayaa a purse and $100/- for her birthday. On April 1st Bianca Pocca and Lata came to pick me up and spent the day with them. On 6th April Lata’s birthday we had dinner at Pickle Barrel. Wanda came and gave me a scarf as gift. Later Pocca and Lata dropped me at Jibesh’s place. On 7th April we went to see Brayden and had lunch at McDonal as all other restaurants were closed. Prabha called from India and now at her home in Gurgaon. On 9th April went to winery, Rachna’s sister in law Supriya also came. On way back we much at McDonal and had Fish Fille. Came back home and chatted for sometime until Supriya’s husband came to pick her up. Family get together before Bianca leaves for Portugal on 18th April.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I spent April 11 with Ushi Choudhury.She drove to Downtown area and had lunch at Moti Mohal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Spent the rest of the day at her apartment until Jibesh came to pick me up. Next day went to Brampton with Jibesh and had hair cut. Also talked to Ushi to find out about the Upashna culture. I was informed that my booking for India is on 26th October reaching on 27th. Bianca and pocca<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>moved to Portugal on 18th April 2023. I spent most of the time watching shows in TV and if weather good gone for a walk. Lata is all alone now. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all sat at Jibesh’s backyard drinking and Lata also came to stay the night.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On 22nd April I left Toronto for San Francisco. Even though I had good time in Toronto I am so happy to be in my own room and bed. I keep myself busy gardening as well as reading books. Made hawaijar for our Manipuri meeting.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On April<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>27 I talked with Gautam’s mom for a long time. She reminds me of my grandmother’s life. Came to know about Arvind’s upcoming surgery on 15 May.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Spent time with group of Indians for holi color festival in the city along with Shobha and Lall. Leon also came to play. I didn’t join at the last moment even though I went prepared. Evening on 29th April I listened to Jo Biden’s and also Roy Wood’s (black man) speeches and found very interesting. Next day was also<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>busy day, going to Paro’s place as well as to Gurudwara where special celebration was going on and hence it was too crowded. (When the Pathans invaded India Sikhs were the ones who fought against the invaders.)This was the reason for celebration.</p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-39377696945132974282023-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:002023-03-03T10:31:07.531-08:00March Entry<p> It is already March and February already over without a single entry. I am surprised how time passed by. How I missed February! Here is my experience during February: We had gone to Paris on 9th and stayed at an apartment : Sabastopol, 58 Blvd. Sebastopol 76003 Paris, on second floor. Second day we walked and didn't have much to do. On 11th Feb we went to museum, also saw Mona lisa painting and came out around 2 pm. Had lunch at Kabuli place. Dev and MJ also came and joined us. At night we went for night river cruise and saw the Eiffel tower with light, quite different from day time view. On 12th we were greeted by Shana and showed us different interesting places. On 13th we went to Sacred Heart church and went along the Moulin Rouge and also saw Eiffel Tower by day time. Took pictures near the Tower. Another interesting place was the bridge where princess Diana had accident and died. There was monument in her memory. Evening we had food at an Italian restaurant OTIAMO. After coming back to hotel we got ready for morning check out. Left hotel by 6.30 am next day on 14th and flew from Charles De Gaulle airport Paris. After nearly 12.30 hours we arrived at SFO airport. As upgraded to business class flight was comfortable. The month of February was an excellent one with wonderful experiences for me. </p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-78852103978189378102023-01-25T21:02:00.002-08:002023-01-25T21:02:37.767-08:00January 2023<p> 1/25/23</p><p>New year started with a picnic with family friends like Paro and Supriya and her husband and Anandhi and Vijay and our family Shobha, Lall and myself. After the picnic at Park we all went to Paro's house at San Jose, spent some time there. </p><p>The month of January is almost over and I have not written anything for posting till now. The new year started with our visitor from India Shakun Gidwani from Bangalore and her friend Rini from Calcutta Shakun is my niece, daughter of my sister in law Kavita(Mohini) Gidwani. Shakun and her friend stayed with us for two days and left for Seattle for their conference. </p><p>On January 3 the sad news of Parminder's grand daughter found death in the morning by her month as she was chocked after a vomit. </p><p>Trying to clean up my closet and all the papers and files to be organized and also to be discarded. </p><p>On 12th January we left for New York and stayed with Ramki/Manju's place for two nights and then to the city near Dev's apartment about 15 minutes walk. We spent the last few days with Dev and MJ and came back to SFO on 16th January. I felt sick on the way but I was okay at home next day. </p><p>I am now trying to write whatever happened during January. </p><p>On 24th January I went to Dollar store with Ruchica and Prabha. Got two packets os flower plants and planted on 25th January.</p><p>So far passing time watching news, gardening, writing cooking etc. </p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-10962032263030320012023-01-25T20:17:00.000-08:002023-01-25T20:17:09.848-08:00travel to Squaw Valley<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Continuing our stay at Squaw Valley at the Village,<br />
I got the main room where a balcony was there for me to sit and watch the visitors and the shops below. Nest day when I stay alone when Shobha and Lall go for hike with their friend I can spent time sitting at the balcony reading a book or watching the movement below. Family friend who already staying at their friend's place came in the evening to join us for drink and dinner. As we walked around the nearby locations the view of the sunset attracted us and took a snapshot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sun set at Squaw Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking in the village</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">olympic site</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">walking with friends and family</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view from my balcony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBrNm4cSmmvlVsXFD1StoekS2FHafYuZx5JdISOvcQSJsSMG2Jo0ah4irgPlu0vDblFy8pXD3ryMVQK3YVkoJAjatJG9dYmSPLs1-eki0HzjFsqxGf6WEG9O-a1eu_g7BlJEjxNI7b1XS/s1600/IMG_9866.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBrNm4cSmmvlVsXFD1StoekS2FHafYuZx5JdISOvcQSJsSMG2Jo0ah4irgPlu0vDblFy8pXD3ryMVQK3YVkoJAjatJG9dYmSPLs1-eki0HzjFsqxGf6WEG9O-a1eu_g7BlJEjxNI7b1XS/s200/IMG_9866.HEIC" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cable for ski site.</td></tr>
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Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-61890026113948635422023-01-25T20:13:00.000-08:002023-01-25T20:13:26.232-08:00Writing during 2023<p> 7th January 2023</p><p>Called Prabha and Parminder but no response. Prabha called back and she was not feeling good yesterday. She has to go for the funeral service of Parminder's grand daughter who died suddenly on 3rd January. It was a very sad news. I spent at Parminder's house for about two hours as she needed help. Prabha was already there and I was surprised to see her. Parminder was hasitant to call her in the morning. </p><p>Just finished cooking for lunch tomorrow with Guatam and family. Morning we went to Ranch 99 to get fish and some vegetables. Afterwards went to Indian store to get masalas and sweet dish. Watching a movie about ancient Egypt in which introduction of Christianity started and its opposition. </p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-19281457174499632062022-01-11T16:49:00.000-08:002022-01-11T16:49:17.895-08:00New Year Travel<p> </p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">New Year Travel:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">January 1, 2022</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The new year started with our drive to LA. around 11 am Lall on the wheel three of us (Shobha and myself). Arriving at Valencia, Southern California we stopped by Hiru and Anju’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>house to collect Mala’s things. We were served with food like<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>paratha and fried rice by Anju Mala’s mom. We enjoyed seeing them after few months and also Komal their eldest daughter drove to her parents house just to meet us. It was sweet gesture of her. We drove towards North Hollywood but on the way we had to stop by Gul’s place to have dinner as Priya and Sandeep with Samir were also coming. Gul’s decoration of his house is superb and classy. Their swimming pool with Buddha’s statue nearby really energized us spiritually. Their dog Lily was quite big compared to last time I saw her, She was very welcoming and friendly. After dinner we went to spend the night at our (Lall’s) apartment in North Hollywood. Morning by 8 am we were out and did some shopping for use during the trip<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and then later reached Hari’s place around<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>9am. They had a friend with his dog as guest.They have their own two dogs. Rhea went to airport to drop her boy friend and she came back while we were there. She showed us their three horses. Her professional hobby is horse riding. She herself is specialized in animal care in her college.. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivcnbxlyo4VVhW67MY6uyBcOVMn4VSYf1N8png-Zlx2tYULuP-tohQSwouihE1kATAtYN2We7AayCBt8Kts_mZKwREJcNRitozPfv1cgxe37txhoZOijzcj96UFgNesDiZZP19UmDx_utRTnpxSvJKrr7fJc2J1D58b7Tk0WWW1TU7dGuvLEWNnDPNg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjivcnbxlyo4VVhW67MY6uyBcOVMn4VSYf1N8png-Zlx2tYULuP-tohQSwouihE1kATAtYN2We7AayCBt8Kts_mZKwREJcNRitozPfv1cgxe37txhoZOijzcj96UFgNesDiZZP19UmDx_utRTnpxSvJKrr7fJc2J1D58b7Tk0WWW1TU7dGuvLEWNnDPNg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhea and her horses</td></tr></tbody></table><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5hShLJVba93LM-GTzJ-qaWQs4Q1Fms5tcFASyYX0MzJPS_swraiHbZldkE82Pn2BtqTIX_hbHNv1HwwEcCCb6LGau8-I3O94SVgABIr1Ys9bbsoEVpjm3s9h8QgFzUjv3kXVCIGg6wpwu8MZ_a1FW2-zfaYLH8FEk_l7KQP3W0ppXE457pvJkKDdBqw=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5hShLJVba93LM-GTzJ-qaWQs4Q1Fms5tcFASyYX0MzJPS_swraiHbZldkE82Pn2BtqTIX_hbHNv1HwwEcCCb6LGau8-I3O94SVgABIr1Ys9bbsoEVpjm3s9h8QgFzUjv3kXVCIGg6wpwu8MZ_a1FW2-zfaYLH8FEk_l7KQP3W0ppXE457pvJkKDdBqw=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night view of Las Vegas </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqEtwGAqhcHzi8oxiip_oSB0i0aI8waYzRzsOTfn3Gqs7gWEM700BrIGY_y7toBliPzpuqZabvHqhp1S4B0F1I_iU2eThVp3qcFEtXz-KqXTVR1cIXfwBT5k2SDZ-AlV1qax3oUogCkd8g53iUzMxu_tWWbEdxWe2xx4Y6j_cdeGwTHvNYcM5KkOISLg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqEtwGAqhcHzi8oxiip_oSB0i0aI8waYzRzsOTfn3Gqs7gWEM700BrIGY_y7toBliPzpuqZabvHqhp1S4B0F1I_iU2eThVp3qcFEtXz-KqXTVR1cIXfwBT5k2SDZ-AlV1qax3oUogCkd8g53iUzMxu_tWWbEdxWe2xx4Y6j_cdeGwTHvNYcM5KkOISLg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">night view of Las Vegas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We drove to Las Vegas and got rooms at Chealshi building of the Cosmopolitan hotel on 45th floor. It was an overwhelming view of Vegas<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>specially at night from our floor. Luckily we got the room because of my son in law’s status at Marriott. Next morning I wanted to try at the slot machine and surprisingly<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I won some money at a slot machine for cents. Out of 20 dollars I won 47 dollars after many ups and downs and then I stopped playing, After cashing out from the cashier I headed toward my room. When Shobha finished her facial at the spa, she called me and I was impatient to tell her about my win.</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDNJ_4m3TkMc3KteBHn8xjVD-0CvSNHsiiG_LuAasn0ccllT1PBm2aGwAEfd0jJToYbMwyqmO0pfUVkaSBR0aNVU5EMMO3s3cQhHmRSp766P-DvIVgg_eA5cX01FDxU43MFh7glOiea3GdNl0i7kpYKOB9v1HR57-zoCeDPJZj59WoAQ9OgLinHtFsUA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDNJ_4m3TkMc3KteBHn8xjVD-0CvSNHsiiG_LuAasn0ccllT1PBm2aGwAEfd0jJToYbMwyqmO0pfUVkaSBR0aNVU5EMMO3s3cQhHmRSp766P-DvIVgg_eA5cX01FDxU43MFh7glOiea3GdNl0i7kpYKOB9v1HR57-zoCeDPJZj59WoAQ9OgLinHtFsUA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gambling at casino at Vegas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivG7ReadkAA7xx1CjabN6PXYY4iMfErBSPfoXYEU5-Kc1O3WIZvUE5u9Ji0uddx0xeIA8DHo6GTzhMRUnt0dKnFjIflthJw45lbGtvhdAifZ-FibgRLCAtjckLE1ipOEstVUfDMQM2yNhnCglmBIbSpkYstDYv5fIjQEhtLQw8n0MElpzQtzwmbUQ_qg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivG7ReadkAA7xx1CjabN6PXYY4iMfErBSPfoXYEU5-Kc1O3WIZvUE5u9Ji0uddx0xeIA8DHo6GTzhMRUnt0dKnFjIflthJw45lbGtvhdAifZ-FibgRLCAtjckLE1ipOEstVUfDMQM2yNhnCglmBIbSpkYstDYv5fIjQEhtLQw8n0MElpzQtzwmbUQ_qg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shobha hiking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRfs2_al85I5qRxmDP4kYBmlXBOgDc3wqhERCDM2ImDCXpgRL5iooVugJYJIshY_QySbHtZvBhLGaY9BZt8TTdpP9ShnlEgibmM1DJhlgPOU90CT-hBvRJedRb3IoAN31-j8M3BlDHOa5R4jvUZngsG9KKChR5SnYb11MbmzVMvkaPkrI9lpflhVL3iA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRfs2_al85I5qRxmDP4kYBmlXBOgDc3wqhERCDM2ImDCXpgRL5iooVugJYJIshY_QySbHtZvBhLGaY9BZt8TTdpP9ShnlEgibmM1DJhlgPOU90CT-hBvRJedRb3IoAN31-j8M3BlDHOa5R4jvUZngsG9KKChR5SnYb11MbmzVMvkaPkrI9lpflhVL3iA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLLcPYvl4SQ-6tC2kZEDQm_OySkBk0_TOgjgKrp1e6-Ic1E9QUXNBC4WLmgR4MBfEELW_C7hXb5_yVLPtm6ZU5gsZHgSX7SQ4FkdtOx-GW331rCphR98BNf199XGl_yefcdBFeNpNnbtYfDZuYriTyCGvzokPtlp05cYsM5AlHyXOqcyaouAhJGjs5fA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLLcPYvl4SQ-6tC2kZEDQm_OySkBk0_TOgjgKrp1e6-Ic1E9QUXNBC4WLmgR4MBfEELW_C7hXb5_yVLPtm6ZU5gsZHgSX7SQ4FkdtOx-GW331rCphR98BNf199XGl_yefcdBFeNpNnbtYfDZuYriTyCGvzokPtlp05cYsM5AlHyXOqcyaouAhJGjs5fA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after watching sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After one night .at Vegas. on 3rd January we left for Death Valley national park where we stayed at the Ranch of the tourism department. De</span><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> </span><span style="text-decoration-line: underline;">ath Valley has three distinct features </span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1) hottest on earth 134 degree F 57 centigrade on July 10, 1913.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2),Driest US national park</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>3)Bad Water Basin 282 ft below sea level. It has the lowest elevation in North America. </span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> Local inhabitants/tribes are Timbisha Shoshone people. </span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Maximum visitation time is usually from February to mid April. October and January are lowest number of visitors<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> E</span>vening time we went to see sunset, and next day to another place for sun rise reflecting lights on the rocks of different colors. On 4th morning I stayed at my room<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>while Lall and Shobha went for hiking. By 10.30 they called me to come out and as they plan to see the sand dunes. I got down and joined them and after seeing the sand dunes we went to have lunch at Toll Road restaurant. There we had a very delicious lunch/sandwich. Evening we went to see sunset at another location but by the time we reached<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>there sun just set and we missed it by five minutes<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> Another interesting program was the talk given by one of the staffs at night 7 pm about the stars .and milky way. After the car park we had to walk in the dark along the way lighted with dim red light.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> As</span> Shobha saw me wandering she had to hold my hand till we reached the destination. We were supposed to get used to the dark so that we could watch the stars on the clear sky. It was vast open sky with a view of the stars in all the directions. She explained about the names of the stars as a part of the Greek legendary.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;">1/5/22</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #175ae2; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We were supposed to leave Ranch by 8 am and hence I woke up by 6 and took shower after having tea. Shobha and Lall had gone for a walk while I was taking shower and hence could not hear their call. I responded afterwards and they were coming to the room to have bread and butter with tea before we got ready to leave. By 8 am we left the Ranch and drove toward Baker’s Field. Wanted to have food at Punjabi Dhaba but it was closed for one week as they had been too busy all those years. So we looked for another place for lunch and got food from a Japanese restaurant. Ordering take out mine was chicken with rice and I enjoyed my food specially rica as we had not been having rice for the last two three days. We reached home around 4.30 pm. Shobha<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>had<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>made khichri for dinner and really enjoyed it. I did my laundry as I had time.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKXzbLVZ9Eav5N93aw1v9r5S5yjArPioFv6ouCrOzVGFWu5n29DSgwsph_P-uQLc7HRJm2fGjhHTbo84aNZve2adLRaxEFycnnsetdFB3RvpflYBJnbj47paySaILISEh3Dpsw5R0f4jwCmZ8oqSu1saRfYpTurjwYaF5A6l0RMY065z0q1ydn2Dpp5g=s2532" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="2532" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKXzbLVZ9Eav5N93aw1v9r5S5yjArPioFv6ouCrOzVGFWu5n29DSgwsph_P-uQLc7HRJm2fGjhHTbo84aNZve2adLRaxEFycnnsetdFB3RvpflYBJnbj47paySaILISEh3Dpsw5R0f4jwCmZ8oqSu1saRfYpTurjwYaF5A6l0RMY065z0q1ydn2Dpp5g=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">colorful hillocks </td></tr></tbody></table><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOyeMjaptxRjS61YCDi3nHBN7CPcfEJUlYHNwz3ha-K1PgEhZYLBtaLu5052OswwhIfUFT4pp4LZy7Zb6aXToxFmKrSYsyMWbD7XGzvQYYVj6ZVx1HH0BlyZkQamd7iB7iUX1OTDFNlvTL7tuirgSkfGYIGkBQ7uAnkNt6_sZl8_miP065Cy88TwIzTA=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOyeMjaptxRjS61YCDi3nHBN7CPcfEJUlYHNwz3ha-K1PgEhZYLBtaLu5052OswwhIfUFT4pp4LZy7Zb6aXToxFmKrSYsyMWbD7XGzvQYYVj6ZVx1HH0BlyZkQamd7iB7iUX1OTDFNlvTL7tuirgSkfGYIGkBQ7uAnkNt6_sZl8_miP065Cy88TwIzTA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">colorful hillocks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWcAAiEK_YqhDpKymQdd9Leol_Kx7rpM3wvMEooxE_Hy83Ju03S_UCePyBRFU6LDA9RwFwNaqs8GKoCc63edY5enb4suAbPwqIxtWag9n5pWUtcZATcTMs-rIZnWwZzggG-WXRs1Tpn0IFq3PiUms3xi3aiR70xVD9YTLu67Gb1Nu_Vgrp0_V99jJZEg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWcAAiEK_YqhDpKymQdd9Leol_Kx7rpM3wvMEooxE_Hy83Ju03S_UCePyBRFU6LDA9RwFwNaqs8GKoCc63edY5enb4suAbPwqIxtWag9n5pWUtcZATcTMs-rIZnWwZzggG-WXRs1Tpn0IFq3PiUms3xi3aiR70xVD9YTLu67Gb1Nu_Vgrp0_V99jJZEg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg21wdGa7xQsaZlxMm6L9wFHAYf-1h7mdOGaoGSJERtTV-p79KGdkcReJv7Q1_zGtxYzqxCc1rE2K6CGYnBEy9SD0_4A7d2-EWExZml5fSWZilCn5_-5Obcrs8If2zQmbEW3srCRkgeDBDcmxr4amGhvU7vLTqTq3W7Yt-h30kdLjlkIZb0VAbSA6N-1w=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg21wdGa7xQsaZlxMm6L9wFHAYf-1h7mdOGaoGSJERtTV-p79KGdkcReJv7Q1_zGtxYzqxCc1rE2K6CGYnBEy9SD0_4A7d2-EWExZml5fSWZilCn5_-5Obcrs8If2zQmbEW3srCRkgeDBDcmxr4amGhvU7vLTqTq3W7Yt-h30kdLjlkIZb0VAbSA6N-1w=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reflections of sun light on the rocks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5OOqqTYRq8UTuZTRUGFK0K9kuXYlAm110eBfqjQNb_vfDOTMTkjEpT9JTzebQqaIeRJPFpZ8nt7jDDR7HGaXmJeL-_Mf1AvTUGpZVRXPWHiH6vHutAeshGfuZu9tzxA5Frp6FdQY_LUrjDM_29lq2t3unZBuDk0f9urIm8qiAeXSNUNz5mlXZP_Dq4w=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5OOqqTYRq8UTuZTRUGFK0K9kuXYlAm110eBfqjQNb_vfDOTMTkjEpT9JTzebQqaIeRJPFpZ8nt7jDDR7HGaXmJeL-_Mf1AvTUGpZVRXPWHiH6vHutAeshGfuZu9tzxA5Frp6FdQY_LUrjDM_29lq2t3unZBuDk0f9urIm8qiAeXSNUNz5mlXZP_Dq4w=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lall and Shobha hiking</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeGG64V_IRDfPHUlLwbbI9qNYhkl7R8RmnB7D8j1RVcf2l9RlAxaoul4XIRGACRsO9QIytyJZlSYSrmI_6AJJ8g5pI5HMVsVeyxjogyBhAJdpcCF4U4pOq_ISO1o51FYrTMmEBbKj3nJut-Iq3r7elpMWO4tN71DC54LLSPRTmOU6bLPIz2-oNbWzhUg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeGG64V_IRDfPHUlLwbbI9qNYhkl7R8RmnB7D8j1RVcf2l9RlAxaoul4XIRGACRsO9QIytyJZlSYSrmI_6AJJ8g5pI5HMVsVeyxjogyBhAJdpcCF4U4pOq_ISO1o51FYrTMmEBbKj3nJut-Iq3r7elpMWO4tN71DC54LLSPRTmOU6bLPIz2-oNbWzhUg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand dunes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggqoBtml4O25rRaRypACOCivXqLWXlzvSRdiXA-k_kMct9Yk7hcjDzw8eZdaC5FUf0HxHw9CbvElyBuZnowVTXOZzPdIs2Vb7q-OsHbGsf1iz2cJEfsnsndqN2QQRYsji-RsovOL-k_Y5MsB14QY35ud_AVQVjczvjLnv2HW9f1995jf7inCeACjpgNg=s4032" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggqoBtml4O25rRaRypACOCivXqLWXlzvSRdiXA-k_kMct9Yk7hcjDzw8eZdaC5FUf0HxHw9CbvElyBuZnowVTXOZzPdIs2Vb7q-OsHbGsf1iz2cJEfsnsndqN2QQRYsji-RsovOL-k_Y5MsB14QY35ud_AVQVjczvjLnv2HW9f1995jf7inCeACjpgNg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sun set.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-26061166309469365262022-01-07T20:40:00.000-08:002022-01-07T20:40:08.009-08:00Unexpected Guest<p> <span style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Unexpected Guests</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A Christmas card from Jan<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>usually comes every year. But this year seems a bit different. Our common friend Pangila from Nagaland is no longer here in USA as she had to return to her home town Dimapur, Nagaland in India. Jan and I<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>were not so close from the beginning, except that we happened to meet at our common friend Pangila’s place. Since Pangila had gone back to Nagaland after the death of her only son. Jan somehow misses our common friend as much as I do. For Pangila, her son had left enough money and hence she could get a plot of land and built her own house in Dimapur a town in Nagaland. Her wish<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to bury her son’s ashes next to her own is going to be fulfilled now.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was more than three years Pangila<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>had left USA and for the first time Jan contacted me. She invited me to come and have lunch with her at her house at American Canyon near Napa valley. I was a bit surprised that i was invited to her place for lunch.There was no possibility of my driving to her place in American Canyon near Napa Valley since I stopped driving on freeways for the last few years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then she suggested that they could come to my place and meet me. Since they planned to be at my place by 11 am on Saturday, the 18th of December. I let her know that I was going to make North Indian breakfast type Gobi Paratha (Crushed cauliflower wrapped in tortilla). They were quite happy to try dishes other than their Naga type dishes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">. On Saturday Jan and her husband Vik came around 11.30 am. I had already made half cooked and kept for cooking again just before serving. When they arrived in time.I was happy to see them after nearly three years. She had in her hand poinsettia plant and then her husband a packet. Once inside the house she handed over the packet to me which turned out to be a beautiful blanket. I thanked them and after some time I asked if they are ready to have food<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Yes they were ready. I turned on gas and started<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>heating the parathas to be fully cooked. Both readily sat down on the dining chairs waiting for my parathas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Along with the paratha I already made some raita (made with yogurt onions, coriander salt and red chili) and also<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>ketchup at the side for the potato chops. I was quite happy to note that she<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>wanted to take some paratha to her home. Later I packed four parathas for her. She was happy to get some of the ghost chill I had from my plant at the back yard. I also had two small ghost chilli plants in a pot which she took with her. Also gifted<span class="Apple-converted-space"> to her </span>a woolen beanie and a scarf which were crocheted by me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">During the conversation I came to know her husband did his PHD in Archeology from UC Berkeley<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>His wife Jan did in education and leadership. She is working for a pre school at Oakland. Vik during PhD program he had digging done in Dimapur, there he found some potteries of ancient Kachhari tribe kingdom which were dated around 1400 AD..<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>While talking<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>publishing books he had already published one but he planned to publish about north eastern region of India's civilization.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After sometime tea was served and they left with happy memories.</p><p class="p1" style="background-color: #eef0f1; color: #2e3133; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After few days Jan called wanted to know how Potato chops were made. I sent her the recipe and she said her chops came out good. Photos below were taken on 12/18/21<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-mX5b_eSOL4bIW65doybdsGGKf6TwpamGxKW3BDeLvhfUlMyouHwIbHfB0IwPUDwBTaMtoz1dEiH7iBbNFbZdpcGv3WI8zJCriydJvHD8x14_EC2Cgoygu0dbYsD14Ks065p-01oRn1B66EwyOU_D3bmwymsS0pFegPWsSNLyIOqt4MGGRtucFPv1FA=s1599" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-mX5b_eSOL4bIW65doybdsGGKf6TwpamGxKW3BDeLvhfUlMyouHwIbHfB0IwPUDwBTaMtoz1dEiH7iBbNFbZdpcGv3WI8zJCriydJvHD8x14_EC2Cgoygu0dbYsD14Ks065p-01oRn1B66EwyOU_D3bmwymsS0pFegPWsSNLyIOqt4MGGRtucFPv1FA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan and Jamuna</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeNFuVjeUlk_pc1FjYA9uqsd0mElHauvl1lLTRHF-cD8_xwinGeMCa6mjZVm9sEmMIKgCJoni1YkcnosdwLbozdcOClRGSPfI6vjN-eybb5-2Y-4VuGVptT8sTQvLFish4NS5a73u_HMRvb4G14ym7mDJHz-wXGez6Ik7AUStHtPRbeQC9Hv8ClmQl2g=s1599" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeNFuVjeUlk_pc1FjYA9uqsd0mElHauvl1lLTRHF-cD8_xwinGeMCa6mjZVm9sEmMIKgCJoni1YkcnosdwLbozdcOClRGSPfI6vjN-eybb5-2Y-4VuGVptT8sTQvLFish4NS5a73u_HMRvb4G14ym7mDJHz-wXGez6Ik7AUStHtPRbeQC9Hv8ClmQl2g=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamuna with jan's gifts on the table</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSbraRU-KSefjhDMYCYGdlwIpeVN5ncabAhMt-hHnwNOvH6SfmBEFTXtYLHr81IugXc52jG-NiwWWJ9x_vamTS13EZsn9sTLBGeMlI2VyQJO3X69PA2lUBBFRSKI94sq8Ak87VnqTbmde6GKdglocm5iq1GxT-9kWuw6u5FoWPRz1y-84COqIUTRTVtQ=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSbraRU-KSefjhDMYCYGdlwIpeVN5ncabAhMt-hHnwNOvH6SfmBEFTXtYLHr81IugXc52jG-NiwWWJ9x_vamTS13EZsn9sTLBGeMlI2VyQJO3X69PA2lUBBFRSKI94sq8Ak87VnqTbmde6GKdglocm5iq1GxT-9kWuw6u5FoWPRz1y-84COqIUTRTVtQ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamuna, Vik Nuenu, wife Jan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-82395159241790252522021-12-13T16:25:00.000-08:002021-12-13T16:25:26.094-08:00Jibesh's 55th birthday celebration<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBKO0iiSm9GhRxQmykH3DxDR6xOSWAvDTfm8r8PGhzyXTmCzDt-GV7j-yVGeVKeq7-1S39tvWEN0SrOATHTLaolpcXFN23oT64uOa_t2UJhg4HrWw_A-WIFp0x9B2NMNTOMKqGupmzki/s4032/IMG_0270.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBKO0iiSm9GhRxQmykH3DxDR6xOSWAvDTfm8r8PGhzyXTmCzDt-GV7j-yVGeVKeq7-1S39tvWEN0SrOATHTLaolpcXFN23oT64uOa_t2UJhg4HrWw_A-WIFp0x9B2NMNTOMKqGupmzki/s320/IMG_0270.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jibesh ready to cut cake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzM1UK0UH8PqyMjTnnojQy2KsIlDlQIhqnvJZpj5FMojfUiYdSlGi8e32UA0Fp6sLQdYODw-oKEnFVIdWFkgVsah4K0OtZvVcXDl5gZtMN9z3GYLan6YEKewsPU3baLVzz2H2FyPYspK/s4032/IMG_1327.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLzM1UK0UH8PqyMjTnnojQy2KsIlDlQIhqnvJZpj5FMojfUiYdSlGi8e32UA0Fp6sLQdYODw-oKEnFVIdWFkgVsah4K0OtZvVcXDl5gZtMN9z3GYLan6YEKewsPU3baLVzz2H2FyPYspK/s320/IMG_1327.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Sfoglia birthday cake</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgKX3xAwtt-fhDlYjh7bsiwC0ZKECR6BXAs8KLOwsAOMjJkJmsPcyKtRmYwmQohAEwJhQte2piar0YrDGYuVhGCSv8Op39j3WUta3rn-SWaY5KYQOfd09sH2qDlwpRb4ZDiXetGZ7PEgr/s4032/IMG_0274.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgKX3xAwtt-fhDlYjh7bsiwC0ZKECR6BXAs8KLOwsAOMjJkJmsPcyKtRmYwmQohAEwJhQte2piar0YrDGYuVhGCSv8Op39j3WUta3rn-SWaY5KYQOfd09sH2qDlwpRb4ZDiXetGZ7PEgr/s320/IMG_0274.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jibesh's 55th birthday celebration</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> 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. <span> </span><div><span> </span><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>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.<p></p><p> 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. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-62010526592658025252021-11-16T16:54:00.000-08:002021-11-16T16:54:32.319-08:00Seniors fare well party/ lunch at my house for Subhasini on October 14, 2021.<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;">10/14/21</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> 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.<br /> 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. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEFIKwMhtIWLgz_bEZI-9hUJ_ZvGm8xkf0TB0sgekkL-N8L0-nkeLZOXsinS76D8USVQCkHg8lv3O2qc9TsS7bcXnKZD0sXIc9y7GKp-caGgEFBUChYs5YCKEyZYAIMIR0pJkQrH_hciK/s4032/IMG_1101.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEFIKwMhtIWLgz_bEZI-9hUJ_ZvGm8xkf0TB0sgekkL-N8L0-nkeLZOXsinS76D8USVQCkHg8lv3O2qc9TsS7bcXnKZD0sXIc9y7GKp-caGgEFBUChYs5YCKEyZYAIMIR0pJkQrH_hciK/s320/IMG_1101.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lunch at my house </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1atwZ_LeAHBJVAS87P76Tx_vtXyn46kjGhDINprw2GeCRGkq8faZGVPROawLjmn2NI5Apzd0_dHm7LCY1Mu2XyTZ9kcLZRBJjqQEx22THFW-h_CRI3wGv7YjWQIxX8-vZ_WbLGkt-Is_/s4032/IMG_0780.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1atwZ_LeAHBJVAS87P76Tx_vtXyn46kjGhDINprw2GeCRGkq8faZGVPROawLjmn2NI5Apzd0_dHm7LCY1Mu2XyTZ9kcLZRBJjqQEx22THFW-h_CRI3wGv7YjWQIxX8-vZ_WbLGkt-Is_/s320/IMG_0780.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lunch at Parminder's house (senior group)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-70201462454277719632021-11-16T14:58:00.000-08:002021-11-16T14:58:44.201-08:00Senior 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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8ZJVY1SCbLSnE0SI9Fh1F6wNyXGkAwaMo-ZowrC1PjsPFV3e0kIBLgbbOM77BlL8yoB1mbHQuoQ8u47ioCYWjk7NDdZ1_zGvje3ACu2cJTkfLu7WfTYdAbzZeQbtWhUWwTN4Uy9HSWhN/s4032/IMG_1182.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8ZJVY1SCbLSnE0SI9Fh1F6wNyXGkAwaMo-ZowrC1PjsPFV3e0kIBLgbbOM77BlL8yoB1mbHQuoQ8u47ioCYWjk7NDdZ1_zGvje3ACu2cJTkfLu7WfTYdAbzZeQbtWhUWwTN4Uy9HSWhN/s320/IMG_1182.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restaurant server man, Jamuna, Subhasini, Jayshree, Prabha </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc7lgKTcgeZHTD8eTgA6tvppmk1OiIoV5u66nyDFCjTN7H-vmZdOznng5XUX85iUGdIip_xLJ5Bn6MdO_tGVmlkEF9IeC91dLbDMPuNSLxJXh8SDqTFCDi7m7UQCUVzXab88Z2RbWoOvO/s4032/IMG_1179.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc7lgKTcgeZHTD8eTgA6tvppmk1OiIoV5u66nyDFCjTN7H-vmZdOznng5XUX85iUGdIip_xLJ5Bn6MdO_tGVmlkEF9IeC91dLbDMPuNSLxJXh8SDqTFCDi7m7UQCUVzXab88Z2RbWoOvO/s320/IMG_1179.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayshree, Prabha, Jamuna, Subhasini at Star Chaat.</td></tr></tbody></table>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-48169592491423740932021-11-15T17:31:00.001-08:002021-11-16T14:51:43.882-08:00My 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. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbl979JD4bE1CBKvMYJvADNBmR15SA9qPEWeqgLYlRymCkzxv0MLcuLhJ-y_xt44K_EBksoczSb5L8Qx88Ja_VmdAOzsCwRLiQ_DFPZjZBiFPYRmV4JaAdbFDz3xPWP9QzNcRcM5lK-gc/s4032/IMG_1316.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbl979JD4bE1CBKvMYJvADNBmR15SA9qPEWeqgLYlRymCkzxv0MLcuLhJ-y_xt44K_EBksoczSb5L8Qx88Ja_VmdAOzsCwRLiQ_DFPZjZBiFPYRmV4JaAdbFDz3xPWP9QzNcRcM5lK-gc/s200/IMG_1316.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bianca, Pouca</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rshqPyrsRk6O-i1Q8yL2gL-B8caRUoUwyx7oytR8euDcPuSG_TaXkNE0iyf_-GLYOq3AN3US74oOgi3vIN5n-xQIfeSGrnGFQYdTKE1PDxU3O2_PAoGfNEF7zG84RT8eXlZoyvwcgjaN/s4032/IMG_1304.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rshqPyrsRk6O-i1Q8yL2gL-B8caRUoUwyx7oytR8euDcPuSG_TaXkNE0iyf_-GLYOq3AN3US74oOgi3vIN5n-xQIfeSGrnGFQYdTKE1PDxU3O2_PAoGfNEF7zG84RT8eXlZoyvwcgjaN/s200/IMG_1304.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouca, Jamuna, Lata</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHZ8bJa01p2Z6mX3bKiGz9vGBOyoQVv6avbSExSqv4lg8Zu6Syu5QNIL2y_g7Uz2z_V16Sjpyolk55WZTkdmPJKC2CHRi2917NH9o-dR_sATv5ohDxbM6invxt7A3Wr4ljmbG8oDkIdhv/s4032/IMG_1289.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHZ8bJa01p2Z6mX3bKiGz9vGBOyoQVv6avbSExSqv4lg8Zu6Syu5QNIL2y_g7Uz2z_V16Sjpyolk55WZTkdmPJKC2CHRi2917NH9o-dR_sATv5ohDxbM6invxt7A3Wr4ljmbG8oDkIdhv/s200/IMG_1289.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jibesh, Breyden</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxU4cTsvs5zgJ8EU6TFFfzZWC1fpP3piklDMWEoOLH8BaDSEuWniot19sJ406AjFgauYc7Nx1kIL9xcvt72szyGlvAbKBchJxAfoxBiq3uGQLC3i1dgjcW3pUxPUYP4sXm4gk3WeQC7Nw/s4032/IMG_6212.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxU4cTsvs5zgJ8EU6TFFfzZWC1fpP3piklDMWEoOLH8BaDSEuWniot19sJ406AjFgauYc7Nx1kIL9xcvt72szyGlvAbKBchJxAfoxBiq3uGQLC3i1dgjcW3pUxPUYP4sXm4gk3WeQC7Nw/s200/IMG_6212.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(gazibo) at backyard </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRwsGeaHXpOlr1hxv8iBHJvho25w3a9EfIgkRS7VzlwAm9suumLg5-lkPfY08Venguy-Sy7XgVAU9aAkF9TDVwfOwS72T760YUX9cTdTRC2hMhDLDcOjTcQEvbJcx-U21s7W-0h3YjNW5/s4032/IMG_1271.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRwsGeaHXpOlr1hxv8iBHJvho25w3a9EfIgkRS7VzlwAm9suumLg5-lkPfY08Venguy-Sy7XgVAU9aAkF9TDVwfOwS72T760YUX9cTdTRC2hMhDLDcOjTcQEvbJcx-U21s7W-0h3YjNW5/s200/IMG_1271.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lighting gazibo</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnozefhtR-kNLfSiRY40-sTZv6bA0Y-af7zswufhcWRWTrF0wludDi70RInMKcmOJP2UbZ-M8V35mhACWUMzLZoNmEqj1Or7XAerOe0H3XN8sCrIgXHY5N0GWJ_fsb_MWuZiVAnyna9wGR/s3088/IMG_1284.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnozefhtR-kNLfSiRY40-sTZv6bA0Y-af7zswufhcWRWTrF0wludDi70RInMKcmOJP2UbZ-M8V35mhACWUMzLZoNmEqj1Or7XAerOe0H3XN8sCrIgXHY5N0GWJ_fsb_MWuZiVAnyna9wGR/s200/IMG_1284.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamuna and Jyoti</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw4bLkfiiM1Van9XOJZL7K9eDOOwXucX4p_ZJ_uARGjH2S6en4VHjgIZ6kFeOvlbfgWWeDaX2cUMfe0reP379W7lTaF679tVwOJUWd-pJ56DVULOufhg0XCNN_wjTOgHDF8Qhz0XI3-Uz/s4032/IMG_1283.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw4bLkfiiM1Van9XOJZL7K9eDOOwXucX4p_ZJ_uARGjH2S6en4VHjgIZ6kFeOvlbfgWWeDaX2cUMfe0reP379W7lTaF679tVwOJUWd-pJ56DVULOufhg0XCNN_wjTOgHDF8Qhz0XI3-Uz/s200/IMG_1283.HEIC" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamuna at Trail, Woodbridge, Canada</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="<div class=" separator="" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaUt_zodk7eE1lJzh-NahNW_rB8OQxKV0X4TVJZfg7sdyZVsX73FEPpOW0-2b-3_fynlXiyzBPoW-Y16nUgT4SMSoWX7Uf4Aasg-yrw719ShDSo2cTmR-5iXNikShMhL9sPgX2X79HxXD/s4032/IMG_1291.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PtTzTfnzOlBoL_p_F8WB9QbiRkDGUk9H391ut-jeY549pY8zEHtUeKJG7Z0K0CXrqHN5bGo58mJjhZgr7KtWyR4jGc-zLbcJgcLohtjiFlYElVgQZULqH0XVh_Hg1iyLTSN4Uo2RqNyq/s2771/IMG_1292.HEIC" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2771" data-original-width="2141" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PtTzTfnzOlBoL_p_F8WB9QbiRkDGUk9H391ut-jeY549pY8zEHtUeKJG7Z0K0CXrqHN5bGo58mJjhZgr7KtWyR4jGc-zLbcJgcLohtjiFlYElVgQZULqH0XVh_Hg1iyLTSN4Uo2RqNyq/s200/IMG_1292.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gavin Advani graduation day</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaUt_zodk7eE1lJzh-NahNW_rB8OQxKV0X4TVJZfg7sdyZVsX73FEPpOW0-2b-3_fynlXiyzBPoW-Y16nUgT4SMSoWX7Uf4Aasg-yrw719ShDSo2cTmR-5iXNikShMhL9sPgX2X79HxXD/s200/IMG_1291.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brayden, Jamuna</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceLNcy18NExw7JEczg0x2wbRs_RIwZAB-Lk3sxxmmeWorqpaaSh02RZ2qTBeIz9eBcIr1fD0yi8RIvS5hdwtTaA5qjMZbXkltpufV5L7qC1_EmRvTADky_jQUMrIvxUosNVENWYigwa8_/s4032/IMG_1309.HEIC" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceLNcy18NExw7JEczg0x2wbRs_RIwZAB-Lk3sxxmmeWorqpaaSh02RZ2qTBeIz9eBcIr1fD0yi8RIvS5hdwtTaA5qjMZbXkltpufV5L7qC1_EmRvTADky_jQUMrIvxUosNVENWYigwa8_/s200/IMG_1309.HEIC" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bianca, Jamuna, Lata</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaUt_zodk7eE1lJzh-NahNW_rB8OQxKV0X4TVJZfg7sdyZVsX73FEPpOW0-2b-3_fynlXiyzBPoW-Y16nUgT4SMSoWX7Uf4Aasg-yrw719ShDSo2cTmR-5iXNikShMhL9sPgX2X79HxXD/s4032/IMG_1291.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PtTzTfnzOlBoL_p_F8WB9QbiRkDGUk9H391ut-jeY549pY8zEHtUeKJG7Z0K0CXrqHN5bGo58mJjhZgr7KtWyR4jGc-zLbcJgcLohtjiFlYElVgQZULqH0XVh_Hg1iyLTSN4Uo2RqNyq/s2771/IMG_1292.HEIC" style="display: inline !important; padding: 1em 0px;"></a></div>
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.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-50672092264640521232021-11-14T19:05:00.001-08:002021-11-15T17:11:59.435-08:00Weekend in the city, 10th October <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKfzJi0w0lYu8_Y5LheBys3gUJ8vdPj9bfxq2w5iTgT7l2F6qO0mN048OYuSdGkJL0KaNUTR6HeS74x28PmaZdIXfQ0Guhcf-NJcdmLNKTc4rDr0lygRXiiv8iU9Icvhe61vNWrA_0_Ag/s4032/IMG_1251.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKfzJi0w0lYu8_Y5LheBys3gUJ8vdPj9bfxq2w5iTgT7l2F6qO0mN048OYuSdGkJL0KaNUTR6HeS74x28PmaZdIXfQ0Guhcf-NJcdmLNKTc4rDr0lygRXiiv8iU9Icvhe61vNWrA_0_Ag/s320/IMG_1251.HEIC"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3igNH5RL4Tr03PQxxtllRkmwdJcYRfjqSZ66ey2aHdUbusCl49YpzDJsIh5m4P0araWCllselp2WC9miubrxmKeWctcruG0pFbJI25VSYE6vxXDkCOGkl_HBKrrmTu9d_vrBxTSk3SJO/s4032/IMG_1255.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3igNH5RL4Tr03PQxxtllRkmwdJcYRfjqSZ66ey2aHdUbusCl49YpzDJsIh5m4P0araWCllselp2WC9miubrxmKeWctcruG0pFbJI25VSYE6vxXDkCOGkl_HBKrrmTu9d_vrBxTSk3SJO/s320/IMG_1255.HEIC"/></a></div>
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. Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-44285434519916438202021-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:002021-09-15T20:15:17.066-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Planning for my trip to UK in October 12th 2018.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>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.</b><br />
<b>life is so uncertain</b><br />
<b>enjoy it at your best</b><br />
<b>the power, wealth does not mean</b><br />
<b>anything when one leaves this world</b><br />
<b>so why not take action now and enjoy</b><br />
<b>at this present moment.</b><br />
<b>I am going to stop here my writing till I return from UK after the tour. </b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Roman Bath<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Today, October 17, 2018 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ou</span>r 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. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>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.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the other side of the Abbey <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood looking down the pond water below
from<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>second floor level. The view had
some similarity with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>those of Mughol Empire
structure lay out in India. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>History of
Bath is related with the natural hot springs. The city was founded on it by an
age tribe called Dobunni <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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<sup>th</sup>
century the baths were neglected. It was rebuilt in 18<sup>th</sup> 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. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>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. . </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>We wish we could go inside and dressed we walked back
to our tour bus waiting for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>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 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>S Buck, Emily Bronte,
Oscar Wilde, William Shakespeare. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b> 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?"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>" Yes I am" We greet each other by hugging as if we knew each other for a long time. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>Myrna is waiting the other side and I came to buy food also.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>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</b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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 </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>escalators</b></span><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> 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.</b><br />
<b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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 </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>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. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>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.</b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">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 </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>masterpiece</b></span><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> 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. </b><br />
<b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">After enjoying the tour inside the palace adorned with its art collections display we took a tour of the site on a </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>trolley. W</b></span><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;">e did have </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>in-depth</b></span><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> idea and glimpse of the place while the driver explained along the way.</b><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>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. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b> 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.</b></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> Our Day 7 began with a journey along the picturesque Cornish coastline. We could </b><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>view</b></span><b style="font-size: 18.6667px;"> 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.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b> 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. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b>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.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Austen museum at Bath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Buckingham Palace with our tour manager.</td></tr>
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Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-46120968119822262992021-09-07T20:42:00.000-07:002021-09-07T20:42:40.573-07:00My First Travel Abroad -Munich Olympic 1972.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwtNBFtMD8EdqhaYQuqcKDYJZolDsDW7sDVvBhjQHXA0TuWeeqBh8UHWrMBSG4tHpXhP3a-9EvhquSe0GT1YdDdJvB9aFacbTfcs2y-5_FavvPcvukUs1EWbGKp7lBWUo_a20NmROMekg/s2886/IMG_0265.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="2886" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwtNBFtMD8EdqhaYQuqcKDYJZolDsDW7sDVvBhjQHXA0TuWeeqBh8UHWrMBSG4tHpXhP3a-9EvhquSe0GT1YdDdJvB9aFacbTfcs2y-5_FavvPcvukUs1EWbGKp7lBWUo_a20NmROMekg/s320/IMG_0265.HEIC"/></a></div>
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.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-75618034461153980942021-08-13T11:03:00.000-07:002021-08-13T11:03:44.102-07:00The 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.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-80135471732114565982021-08-06T20:58:00.000-07:002021-08-06T20:58:18.305-07:00Friendship Corner<p> <b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;">The Friendship Corner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1VBGIngfW8RA62iNmHfy-u3zxzTKps_CUDoeZcEdyKVfSJZYBaw9aMzFlH6JiSJZPcQ7eeLEEynttpg1HQ57mAq9wqMJ8KrQKEeZEtdeD824TSLoKigNXKc2saRjTunCvXZISCq7Oxq5/s4032/IMG_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1VBGIngfW8RA62iNmHfy-u3zxzTKps_CUDoeZcEdyKVfSJZYBaw9aMzFlH6JiSJZPcQ7eeLEEynttpg1HQ57mAq9wqMJ8KrQKEeZEtdeD824TSLoKigNXKc2saRjTunCvXZISCq7Oxq5/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friendship corner house</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEojGSpVzQTxAP3gE0UIFfV11rqs9XwbZw1u0vCMS0HhsuPgexfE-4G3jqapfynhod4OKKZRzW3CTHwYilCh1M619u-U3fb-cY6aOKMs3AGwS5ebjBUGYUc3u68iETeyC8eZTyA5kRWKO/s4032/IMG_0860.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEojGSpVzQTxAP3gE0UIFfV11rqs9XwbZw1u0vCMS0HhsuPgexfE-4G3jqapfynhod4OKKZRzW3CTHwYilCh1M619u-U3fb-cY6aOKMs3AGwS5ebjBUGYUc3u68iETeyC8eZTyA5kRWKO/s320/IMG_0860.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friendship corner</td></tr></tbody></table><br />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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of San Ramon while Bent Creek goes along intersecting Story Creek Drive and joining it again at the end again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> <span> </span></span>This juncture, as recollections of lively and memorable friendships develop<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>we treasure it as precious one. The<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>corner house stands quietly as if wondering what the ladies are opting for. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>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.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Friendship Corner.</p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-16319154377363989212021-08-05T10:32:00.000-07:002021-08-05T10:32:49.352-07:00Lata's visit to San Ramon, CA<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span> </p><p><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;"><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPXHdGZ9qOO4VElfmBp0-TQCl93TGq0crNMEhyphenhyphen-qaCyJm19EzgvwI_k1dCnsYrUllCjOLjKlFKgbDQu0_D5dLqCi9zSunR1VpdzgWR6LEdnevDQq2i9bj8NgKPpKO8XKqRr5QpT1z29Ez/s4032/IMG_6914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPXHdGZ9qOO4VElfmBp0-TQCl93TGq0crNMEhyphenhyphen-qaCyJm19EzgvwI_k1dCnsYrUllCjOLjKlFKgbDQu0_D5dLqCi9zSunR1VpdzgWR6LEdnevDQq2i9bj8NgKPpKO8XKqRr5QpT1z29Ez/s320/IMG_6914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shilpa,Trisha,Lata,jamuna,Shobha</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5RvoYgoe5yNYiRBP1j5fMr1p50vCGHOqMLjx3p4CZFcANLiALWX07fGN3DMB7-c6k1ONp__xxGK9TePYp2l6dHTHbHczMJ9JvJQooNL4iP5ZsTw7KGqntbHncREup-eFVYwUZJIcjXI8/s4032/IMG_6909.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5RvoYgoe5yNYiRBP1j5fMr1p50vCGHOqMLjx3p4CZFcANLiALWX07fGN3DMB7-c6k1ONp__xxGK9TePYp2l6dHTHbHczMJ9JvJQooNL4iP5ZsTw7KGqntbHncREup-eFVYwUZJIcjXI8/s320/IMG_6909.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Shilpa's family</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtvR5c4Vu7BmNLeQuREbLK0b2uoPpD1OK3Q3HOJP11BPWuqck_RsgA78lUKKsgymP4DCMCmpRmE24YpfNUm4m11XZgNgqaVvnNxYFHqaEvwWQRFcypJhrTwM2BiTA7ibDN5iBiXggRBvU/s4032/IMG_4658.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtvR5c4Vu7BmNLeQuREbLK0b2uoPpD1OK3Q3HOJP11BPWuqck_RsgA78lUKKsgymP4DCMCmpRmE24YpfNUm4m11XZgNgqaVvnNxYFHqaEvwWQRFcypJhrTwM2BiTA7ibDN5iBiXggRBvU/s320/IMG_4658.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Lucas and Sean's apartment.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAVMWJCQtaQP9sfDn_FVQ66JdhnhyphenhyphenjE8lpc3rdKZhksBm0izfZ4zg6NaxJRhC7-pD7EvhxrGN0PypXEsfFYCvfZaFSzOy0NRloi5-3IGd-GSewdjY0Aye29iA7s2ltvUSQjdS4-kXrxd0/s4032/IMG_6954.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAVMWJCQtaQP9sfDn_FVQ66JdhnhyphenhyphenjE8lpc3rdKZhksBm0izfZ4zg6NaxJRhC7-pD7EvhxrGN0PypXEsfFYCvfZaFSzOy0NRloi5-3IGd-GSewdjY0Aye29iA7s2ltvUSQjdS4-kXrxd0/s320/IMG_6954.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Ventura beach waiting for oyster lunch </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zGdgVLcsEe2PZP7uJA4s-xEfTvKZ-XaGXOuZxrB1BA5xTn9lh-Xm5Oihv2CD80KynViHUH0aoFQiggMi_ZIGH_-l7A-J0fj-C8e1VStH4PHxTHH1HrDfkFZYP2citrh-wxXl15xj_FQ9/s4032/IMG_8830.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zGdgVLcsEe2PZP7uJA4s-xEfTvKZ-XaGXOuZxrB1BA5xTn9lh-Xm5Oihv2CD80KynViHUH0aoFQiggMi_ZIGH_-l7A-J0fj-C8e1VStH4PHxTHH1HrDfkFZYP2citrh-wxXl15xj_FQ9/s320/IMG_8830.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">near pier at Ventura beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS2TTR8t74hADUkNjbRvQikYl4foWb5dnt9xbB-V5t-JjIZzfzeb9XEZdA5_rMQTwZSmsox1lBlKYh3T4ZxikDt5e2HwuNeH3kUjZSzbaggSnvvoilHkG3WpCgCHrrrDuMIKuRytfDZmp/s4032/IMG_4737.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS2TTR8t74hADUkNjbRvQikYl4foWb5dnt9xbB-V5t-JjIZzfzeb9XEZdA5_rMQTwZSmsox1lBlKYh3T4ZxikDt5e2HwuNeH3kUjZSzbaggSnvvoilHkG3WpCgCHrrrDuMIKuRytfDZmp/s320/IMG_4737.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ventura beach pier</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69HRcgEQnPYj6N8jLWKFDXbg8sEEtNz-bf9dQcQkJQX_qW_YgxCU05FMIuxDdTRFXBqx41CvineQtQnQ54l3rumJI-skIb-EC6nwJBufmTvhxsglWtonRKpFgR-9eYzL-fifxtlu70q0L/s4032/IMG_4791.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69HRcgEQnPYj6N8jLWKFDXbg8sEEtNz-bf9dQcQkJQX_qW_YgxCU05FMIuxDdTRFXBqx41CvineQtQnQ54l3rumJI-skIb-EC6nwJBufmTvhxsglWtonRKpFgR-9eYzL-fifxtlu70q0L/s320/IMG_4791.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Dev at North Hollywood</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;"><i>No</i></b></div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ28ahN8JU4FrhEuhD3riEF1CFA8UIownJcImf5gozVrRHtzBRddpRDSGps8cziqYhkcMJ7ChKMSO3AIsIGn1rZQqfqVVkcIvMjPXnB7urtGhlLMwzyfrcT6Puo_mQf46dEzVWFKinNtk/s4032/IMG_1006.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ28ahN8JU4FrhEuhD3riEF1CFA8UIownJcImf5gozVrRHtzBRddpRDSGps8cziqYhkcMJ7ChKMSO3AIsIGn1rZQqfqVVkcIvMjPXnB7urtGhlLMwzyfrcT6Puo_mQf46dEzVWFKinNtk/s320/IMG_1006.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lata at North Hollywood park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj849ffH5MLSoHsB6uWDwSgBCtnD0fVrFSagCxXG2ci9Q5rr8h37unzFpdaXRanqLwGQB0QQiyo9QMd7fgboYTv2OSAcCZT-pchAi2w8mTgPdBJgJwZVuoJDbkv8PEnnbroymmpQNHtAP8z/s4032/IMG_4798.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj849ffH5MLSoHsB6uWDwSgBCtnD0fVrFSagCxXG2ci9Q5rr8h37unzFpdaXRanqLwGQB0QQiyo9QMd7fgboYTv2OSAcCZT-pchAi2w8mTgPdBJgJwZVuoJDbkv8PEnnbroymmpQNHtAP8z/s320/IMG_4798.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamuna at North Hollywood park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOaAQQvQX05co8LyHb-kUPHR4Ltb9tquWgHoXhSL-jAj8_8A4d52yDYp5Y48jUbxUVTSFGS_dY218pbzqdsbcWFW29Vi3ASpZ9RYs81cDoU5Aa-Num1lNogtQFigkUFCDcGuPNJQ87XhK/s4032/IMG_1019.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOaAQQvQX05co8LyHb-kUPHR4Ltb9tquWgHoXhSL-jAj8_8A4d52yDYp5Y48jUbxUVTSFGS_dY218pbzqdsbcWFW29Vi3ASpZ9RYs81cDoU5Aa-Num1lNogtQFigkUFCDcGuPNJQ87XhK/s320/IMG_1019.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at universal studio city</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7V5lNOlZE_K2hyphenhyphenOlsG2sIuXLnuxQJvS8RNGfX61bE2SWYYHdWS1F99c38oQaNgZOeeqHRKM5Mk6vTHpv7S_1MlJhp-hWtmOuEtPtDIsA1CY0iaf_VVMPQGbzLAxYs3mgGLpj3wQ0jnx0/s4032/IMG_1032.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7V5lNOlZE_K2hyphenhyphenOlsG2sIuXLnuxQJvS8RNGfX61bE2SWYYHdWS1F99c38oQaNgZOeeqHRKM5Mk6vTHpv7S_1MlJhp-hWtmOuEtPtDIsA1CY0iaf_VVMPQGbzLAxYs3mgGLpj3wQ0jnx0/s320/IMG_1032.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at universal studio</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfxb9NYbIoh4Vi4ra5f562CB4gT_prpZz1GACI_qLsFVm4HMi-dDtru-qpraawFZncxVo54n_eWn701ZkaZD-5s5aQIBvNpeZQbU-Y4_lhMP7ve3K69DoJoNbAyvHLtgYUBDSm1Abjn5s/s4032/IMG_1040.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfxb9NYbIoh4Vi4ra5f562CB4gT_prpZz1GACI_qLsFVm4HMi-dDtru-qpraawFZncxVo54n_eWn701ZkaZD-5s5aQIBvNpeZQbU-Y4_lhMP7ve3K69DoJoNbAyvHLtgYUBDSm1Abjn5s/s320/IMG_1040.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lata ready to attend Sarina's party</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHshFyOIuKr1ou_kNSTmiLMMxFgqNwthlUIOm94mlOpI9BKNKMrUQC9YMlscgu9r2QmXsqaOcQgdZsPzbn79hUKYalKKnbWbKb86548XElcaU6C2ndNmlChGDn6tpzXjzfAaePHp1gtMcM/s4032/IMG_1044.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHshFyOIuKr1ou_kNSTmiLMMxFgqNwthlUIOm94mlOpI9BKNKMrUQC9YMlscgu9r2QmXsqaOcQgdZsPzbn79hUKYalKKnbWbKb86548XElcaU6C2ndNmlChGDn6tpzXjzfAaePHp1gtMcM/s320/IMG_1044.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lall, Shobha, Lata for engagement party</td></tr></tbody></table>L<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yA5DJ4UoZ0O-mn87uZ0WhX3QNDMKaUUBq5EIvRACfvzDx9i7UU29rnQtC54Irwux7R0SGFa2sLjWBAdDCAViiPXtN7xRoGgMDdy17hpEgD26oDarYaeBoPnDwwqKnfstwQSoCu1azEYj/s960/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yA5DJ4UoZ0O-mn87uZ0WhX3QNDMKaUUBq5EIvRACfvzDx9i7UU29rnQtC54Irwux7R0SGFa2sLjWBAdDCAViiPXtN7xRoGgMDdy17hpEgD26oDarYaeBoPnDwwqKnfstwQSoCu1azEYj/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarina and Nik's engagement party</td></tr></tbody></table><br />During my daughter Lata’s visit:</i></b><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>he had been suffering, he never wanted to go to hospital due to the Covid19.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>He was referred to the specialist who diagnosed as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> After</span> 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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>Lata with the help of Dev, my grandson organized a zoom meeting for all the family and friends in his memory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>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. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As Lata wanted to eat Manipuri food I got ready to cook for her.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> But</span> 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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span>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<span class="Apple-converted-space"> I couldn't attend as I was having pain still and limping.</span> I have the pain still but much better now. After spending sometime together, her<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>going away to Toronto, I miss Lata a lot.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">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. </span></p>Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-4738560504883587462021-05-10T22:01:00.002-07:002021-05-10T22:07:01.277-07:00Springbreak AdventuresOn 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. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5O_Ly0I4RyuxO4cTQRwPOH7EAjUsHblwnnkStm2Xk6cr1fblebM09otM-bVD7iJqnosnNlfab2pp2An2mWbXb_azKj2zwG6jIUsOEE26FztOa6D1fSpqFp8soRQL3cCsI8Kk3QZAqrpB/s4032/IMG_0437.HEIC" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5O_Ly0I4RyuxO4cTQRwPOH7EAjUsHblwnnkStm2Xk6cr1fblebM09otM-bVD7iJqnosnNlfab2pp2An2mWbXb_azKj2zwG6jIUsOEE26FztOa6D1fSpqFp8soRQL3cCsI8Kk3QZAqrpB/s200/IMG_0437.HEIC" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNffNDJZ0eOTe8hM107bUZa3RMHJwK95-l4Q8VgYVWz_XhkkpG-eP2rwmd-dFdYqRefoYH3DBoSLpZEnRYcJVXyDJ5LwTR83F136oABx-qlaKt0AJzUqTorq-TRxqQknIUXbQ2OHm356lQ/s200/IMG_0436.HEIC" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNr4-u03Z2BhPry9zGFdo3tEmNVldTLnbnTldfd6BywzB7bw-Q465ruLrMerFJ6jvVq79QDlaCG6Uj6xO8uds1RstsJ0xbcbnU2zkRHY0-Na9U0wXwd1rJ3KdiP0uxbbpHN2OatAgQGryh/s4032/IMG_0441.HEIC" style="display: block; 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Fully conscious and in
Good health
I am writing today my will.
After my death,
ransack my room search each item,
that is scattered unlocked everywhere in my house,
Donate my dreams to all those women
who between the confines of the kitchen and the bedroom,
have lost their world,
have forgotten years ago what it is to dream
Scatter my laughter among the inmates of all age
homes whose children are lost to the glittering cities of America.
There are some colors on my table
with them dye the sari of the girl
whose border is edged with the blood of her man
who wrapped in the tricolor
Was laid to rest last evening
Give my tears to all the poets
every drop will birth a poem I promise
Make sure you catch the tough of the country
and inject them with my indignation
they will need it
come the revolution.
My ecstasy belongs to that Sufi
who abandoning everything has set off in search of God
Finally, what’s left,
My envy
My greed,
My anger,
My lies,
My selfishness
These simply cremate with me.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-14813277050308497852021-01-27T18:34:00.000-08:002021-01-27T18:34:17.305-08:00UNSUCCESSFUL FLINGThe young lady
slim, tall and confident,
crossed my path as she ran.
While I, in thick sweater
beanie covered head
mask on, balancing my slow stride
continued to walk.
Few moments, hardly any blink
the vision in front disappeared, hallowed.
Stamina of a youth fleeting past,
an equate with light
how I envied her.
My youth returned in shadow
dauntless courage of the past,
closing my eyes, I seemed to locate it,
but gone like a puff of wind.
While memories of youth
still cleaving, old age intersected it
with age related health problems
hiding in the dark corner.
My trial to relinquish it
ended as unsuccessful fling,
but appeased!
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-14547032743023536912021-01-20T20:31:00.000-08:002021-01-20T20:31:29.642-08:00My Days before Covid19 and AfterMy Days Before Covid19 and After. Written by Jamuna Advani
A dim light of excitement dancing inside my head for the last few months was about to end by March 2020. The upcoming cruise with princess was booked well ahead of time. My friend in LA and I had planned it together and had been looking forward to it.
The cruise was for 7 days with Sky Princess starting from Fort Lauderdale to Princess Cays island, ST Thomas, St Martin and then back to Fort Lauderdale. We were happy that Princess Cruise had given us Medallion Class, hence we could update everything needed for it so that our voyage was offered with new level of service, personalized attention, creating an effortless experience. Some of the shore excursions were booked and some other we decided to do on the spot. Since it was my fourth one with Princess my status would be upgraded like free internet access.
During Mexican Riviera in December 2015 I came across an elderly lady who had an oxygen tank with her, and she proudly mentioned that she had been with the Princess 33 times. May be some of the seniors preferred to spend their days in the ship as they enjoyed all the facilities during the cruise.
My flight was booked from San Francisco to Miami and then take a taxi to Fort Lauderdale. As my friend would be flying from LA to Miami we planned to meet at Fort Lauderdale on March 7 before boarding.
Then the most unexpected and disheartening news flashed on February 4th. The news of major outbreak on board of the Diamond Princess infecting about 700 people and 14 people dead was a shocking one.
Still hoping for the best I started packing, planning for formal wear during dinner as well as for daily use including shore excursions. Our plan was for 9 days including the air travel.
Everything changed on March 5th, as my daughter was concerned about Covid19, suggested that we better canceled the cruise. After thinking over reluctantly I called my friend in LA to inform her about the grim situation. She also felt the same, we decided our long awaited trip to keep on hold. Finally, we called Princess to cancel our booking and we were given credit till end of 2021. Along with this we had another trip planned for Ireland in October 2020 and luckily the company Gate 1 cancelled the tour and we were given choice to cancel or keep credit. We still have booking for Ireland during May 2021. But the uncertainty lingers on until the pandemic is over and Gate 1 resumes its tour.
Since locked down and stay at home already announced, we are now confined ourselves at home. Keeping myself busy in the house, helping my daughter with household work ( I live with my daughter) and backyard gardening are my chosen physical activities. Walking with my daughter around our creek before she starts her work is also my daily routine. As the sun peeps through the hills heading toward the blue sky I imagine a future of normal life coming soon. Most of the time we come across turkeys in group running when they see us and also fighting month themselves. We can’t help but stand to watching them fight or male ones dancing. It is also interesting sight when some deer coming out of the creek as if they are taking advantage of the quiet road. Now that people are confined at home due to work from home hardly we find cars on the road.
For me now reading books (fiction and nonfiction ) keeps me occupied (now reading “Promised Land” by Borak Obama.) I am a bit worried that my interest in writing seems to be lacking. I sincerely hope that by joining e circle 6 my interest in writing may continue and thus resume writing again. At the same time my dream for travel still continues.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-14766363472879545362021-01-20T20:21:00.000-08:002021-01-20T20:21:40.038-08:00Unsuccessful FlingUNSUCCESSFUL FLING written by Jamuna Advani
The young lady
slim, tall and confident,
crossed my path as she ran.
While I, in thick sweater
beanie covered head
mask on, balancing my slow stride
continued to walk.
Few moments, hardly any blink
the vision in front disappeared, hallowed.
Stamina of a youth fleeting past,
an equate with light
how I envied her.
My youth returned in shadow
dauntless courage of the past,
closing my eyes, I seemed to locate it,
but gone like a puff of wind.
While memories of youth
still cleaving, old age intersected it
with age related health problems
hiding in the dark corner.
My trial to relinquish it
ended as unsuccessful fling,
but appeased!Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-60485466800377909802021-01-04T20:32:00.000-08:002021-01-04T20:32:40.778-08:00"Manipur Times
Nurse Turned Writer - Jamuna Devi Advani In Association with FindingTheVoices Jamuna Devi Advani, originally from Manipur and currently resident of California, USA is the author of the book, Land of the Dancing Deer. After her graduation from the College of Nursing., (later named as Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing), she came back home and worked as sister-in-charge of surgical ward at Civil Hospital in Imphal. She worked there for about five years and then got married to Mr Rup Advani, a non-local. She stayed with her husband in Imphal for some time. Even though they built a house of their own in Imphal they had moved to Shillong and settled there for about 8 years and then they moved to Kalkota where they lived for another 7 years. Those were the days of fond memories they had shared together while their four kids were growing up. Jamuna joined a workshop organized by an author Linda Joy Myer in the year 2007 . Since then her interest in writing aroused and there had been contributions as poems, short memoirs in journals of Story Circle Network and anthologies of Trivalley Writers’ Club and also in California Writers Club’s journals. Now, writing has become a part of healing process for Jamuna. One thing she regrets most is about her kids. She did not spend much time with her kids instead they were sent to boarding schools at their tender age. She wishes if those times could be rewound again so that she can share every moment of their beautiful life together and holding them in her warm chest. She still bears the pain of an incomplete life. She keeps Manipur close to her heart always. Her book, Land of the Dancing Deer, is about Manipur, and the deer she has mentioned here is Sangai. The book reflects the past of her life experiences and especially about her grandmother. The pictures in the book are the images of her paintings and photographs that explain the untold stories of those days in Manipur. Her book is available in Amazon.com, Lulu.com and also as E-book. http://www.manipurtimes.com/news-article/manipurtimes-article/830
— withNu Suphachai Sukhampha, Nao Chanu, Nao Leiran, Jay Duff Kh, Pooja Sorensangbam, Monica Ingudam's Findingthevoices and Jamuna Advani.
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Like · · Share · February 10
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Erendro Leichombam, Shobha Tejwani, Dev Tejwani and 1,016 others like this.
75 shares
Jamuna Advani Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement.I really appreciate and would like to thank everyone individually.
Like · Reply · 4 · February 11 at 8:21pm
Mala Sen Super! Always feels good to see you ...u r such an inspiration aunty
Like · Reply · 3 · February 11 at 4:53am · Edited
Sonam Ahuja Congratulations aunty.. Looking fwd to read your book.
Like · Reply · February 11 at 9:26pm
Neeti Grover Congratulations aunty!!
Like · Reply · February 11 at 7:51pm
Anilkumar Yengkhom heard about her from FTV..being grown up among writers would love to know more about her..admire her..
Like · Reply · 3 · February 10 at 10:38pm
Uttam Konsam i cann say she is manipuri becos her husband is already non manipuri
Like · Reply · 2 · February 11 at 1:49am
Laijinglen Victor Khuman great keep it up
Like · Reply · 2 · February 10 at 9:27pm
Den Mi A warm Appreciation from all of us. . .
Like · Reply · 2 · February 11 at 2:13am
Santosh Leihaothabam Again she also belongs to Manipur/Sanaleipak/Kangleipak. Oh my god!! We must proud being a Manipuri.
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 10:13am
Reena Arambam Nice contribution and of course she is a manipuri
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 6:29am
Wilma Premchandani I look forward to reading your book. Congratulations
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 6:23am
Yaisana Huidrom looking forward to read her book......
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 4:48am
Rabindra Thapa Inspiring thing
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 4:20am
Anthony Yumnam Respect
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 3:51am
Street ßøý God bless you
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 1:04am
Sultana Praveen Km great Maa'm
Like · Reply · 1 · February 11 at 12:19am
Misbah Haque Highly noble thing ma'am..really proud of u
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 11:40pm
Krishna Jak Keep it up ma'am
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 10:48pm
Soyhunlo Seb Great job ma'am.
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 10:33pm
Ỵŏṡęf Ṁạṱạrńeh Great,good to hear such things.
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 10:31pm
Debajani Devi Great
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 10:29pm
Sa Ya Saikhom Admire u..
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 9:38pm
Chris Wath wat abt flipkart
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 9:26pm
Adeno K Kuotsu Yes, it is a beautiful place. God bless
Like · Reply · 1 · February 10 at 9:11pm
Priyojit Soiban Tangba I love the picture
Like · Reply · February 12 at 8:57pm
Bos Travis Phairenjam Congrats
Like · Reply · February 12 at 10:01am
Oinam Apsara I M SO MOVED!!!!!SUCH DELIGHTS
Like · Reply · February 12 at 8:27am
Honmillee Teronpi Must find the book and read it. Sounds lnteresting!!!
Like · Reply · February 12 at 7:22am
Core Manipur Know her personally and delighted to hear this news of her book!
Like · Reply · February 12 at 4:51am
Khundongbam Inunganba Thanks maam...... u let manipur high in d world
Like · Reply · February 12 at 3:12am
Phuralilatpam Daneshwar Sharma God bles Manipur
Like · Reply · February 12 at 1:02am
Rajeev Thounaojam Proud 2 b a manipuri...congratz
Like · Reply · February 12 at 12:54am
Prem Khuman fine to heard...congratulation!!!
Like · Reply · February 12 at 12:22am
Thounaojam Rajeshor Singh Proud of u mam
Like · Reply · February 11 at 11:33pm
Luhensänä Chänu Kh Respect
Like · Reply · February 11 at 8:42pm
Daley Mangang Where ever you go, what ever you did, it matters not, your heart still singing the same..., there you bore a Manipur, you great aunty.
Like · Reply · February 11 at 8:39pm
Khuman Visual Merchandiser good job
Like · Reply · February 11 at 12:11pm
Robert Hemam Respect
Like · Reply · February 11 at 7:35am
Sandip Khumbongmayum Zòró Khàbá yam chotok ningai ne
Like · Reply · February 11 at 7:06am
Bottom of Form"Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7382637991040958173.post-49389281194649194822021-01-01T20:51:00.002-08:002021-01-02T17:13:36.444-08:00Lovely CandlesLovely Candles
Lively candles,
Flames sparkle
In silent contemplation
Air mocks,
Observes.
Wind
Storms suddenly,
Flames erased,
Disrobed candles stand
Stunned in naked illusions.
Jamuna Advanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13103894188884254182noreply@blogger.com0