The Road Trip

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

Friendship Corner

 The Friendship Corner

friendship corner house

    

friendship corner

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

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

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

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

Lata's visit to San Ramon, CA

  

Shilpa,Trisha,Lata,jamuna,Shobha

With Shilpa's family

At Lucas and Sean's apartment.

At Ventura beach waiting for oyster lunch 

near pier at Ventura beach

Ventura beach pier

with Dev at North Hollywood

No

Lata at North Hollywood park

Jamuna at North Hollywood park

at universal studio city

at universal studio

Lata ready to attend Sarina's party

Lall, Shobha, Lata for engagement party

L

Sarina and Nik's engagement party

During my daughter Lata’s visit:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Springbreak Adventures

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

I love this poem written by an author unknown.

(Author unknown ) 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.

UNSUCCESSFUL FLING

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!

My Days before Covid19 and After

My 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.