Every morning, my mother’s balcony is covered with these delicate flowers – tiny, whorled white petals, a bright orange stalk, and an intoxicating fragrance that is nothing short of divine. The Parijat – blooming ethereal at night, and with sunrise, carpeting its surroundings with its beautiful flowers. A handful of the fragrant flowers hold the…
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All I want for my birthday is a trip to Hogwarts!!
Quick, somebody pinch me – no, it’s really happening – a birthday wish that came wonderfully true!!! Hogwarts for my birthday – best birthday, EVER!!!! Our trip to Orlando was an early spring-break vacation, and although we spent 3 incredible, fun-filled days here, the highlight was most certainly ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ at…
“Effect of Screen/Music on Plant Growth”
Yes, that’s the title of Manasi’s Science project – and of course, thanks to my social media blitz, I doubt there’s anyone left who hasn’t heard that her project will be competing in the State Science Fair!! Don’t worry – that’s not what this post is about – I think I’m done being ‘that’ parent!!…
3 days in Amsterdam
It has been more than a decade since we flew to India via Europe! The new long-haul flights although convenient, are tedious – seriously, 14 hours on a plane, tedious is putting it mildly! – but the days of exhaustedly stumbling through an airport to get to the next flight are a thing of the…
Happy birthday, Manasi!
#19, and the first one away from home, the first that I’ll not be spending with her! So our college girl is celebrating her birthday in college style, with an incredible group of friends – makes me so happy to see this support system Manasi has built around herself! And how sweet of her roommate,…
A ‘Monster’ Halloween!!
Well, Halloween has come and gone – and like always, I’m late with my post!! Although, considering that it has been longer than forever since my last post – I think a week late is not so bad after all!! I’ve always had mixed feelings about Halloween. First of, it’s that time of year –…
Rediscovering Pune: Kelkar museum and Vishrambaug Wada
Another must-see place on Pune’s cultural trail is Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum. Currently administered by the Department of Archaeology of the Maharashtra government, this museum was established by Baba Dinkar Kelkar in the memory of his son, Raja, who passed away at a young age. This large private collection, with artifacts from all over the…
Rediscovering Pune: A visit to Shaniwar Wada
Nestled in the Sahyadri range, my hometown Pune is an ancient city – surrounded by a ring of forts that are silent witnesses to a glorious page in our history. Taking pride of place is the Shivneri, birthplace of the celebrated king, the founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. And in the heart…
In search of an orange tutu…
Monday night. 8:30 pm. Conversation between Mom and Cherished Offspring. Cherished Offspring: “Oh, and Mom, I need an orange tutu to wear to the badminton tournament tomorrow.” Mom: “Tutus for badminton? That doesn’t sound right!” CO (eyeroll): “Because it’s a costume badminton thing!!” Mom: “And what costume are you planning to wear? Can’t you wear…
Too smart to be scammed??
Last week, I had dropped Manasi off at Track practice, and was settling myself onto a comfy couch in the public library right next to the school – happily anticipating an hour of quiet, guilt-free reading, when my phone rang. I was expecting a call from my mom, and I answered, before fully registering that…
A DIY vacation
A year ago, we moved into this beautiful house – yes, hard to believe, but it’s been a year!! I want to say – a year already? – where has the time gone?? And at the same time, only a year? – feels like I’ve been here forever!! Either way, it’s been all good –…
Rained out at Mt. Rainier
Heading back over the border now – and guess what, this is a special day for Ajey! 20 years ago, to the date, 8th August 1996 – Ajey flew to Chicago, to come to the US for the very first time!! And here we are, 2 decades later – entering the US!! Have to say,…
A place called home... 