wandering mind

My grandmother has been gone for 8 years now - I miss her so much at times. We were like the best of friends - the years between us used to melt away as we would sit and talk about our common points of interests. Both of us shared the joy of growing our own vegetables. I remember the look of absolute pride on her face as she would announce the first zucchini that she had spotted. Yesterday, I saw this little swollen bud on my indoor lemon plant that potentially could be the first lemon ever that I might harvest - the first thought that came to my mind was - Amma would be so happy to see this. She used to sit amongst her vegetable plants and there was almost some unknown bond between them. My grandfather used to joke how she would know if you so much as broke a leaf off of one of her tomato plants. If I would ask him where Amma was, he would say "must be outside counting the leaves of her plants". I remember how one time we wanted to remove this plum tree so that we could exte...

I am no photographer, and can barely operate a point and shoot - but doesn't this picture look like one of Monet's painting? I shot this at Animal Kingdom this past week when we when on a Disney vacation over spring break. Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite Disney Park (Epcot being the other favorite). I really enjoyed watching this duck lazily swim away, oblivious to all the spring break Disney chaos. The two animals in the window are my own - guess which one is a leopard and which one is the Minnie Mouse :)

The youngest members of our family are two super energetic puppies - Buddy and Lucky - our two spoiled cockapoos. They can go from being in deep sleep to jumping up and down in a matter of a split second. When I first wake up in the morning and drag myself downstairs to make tea - they are right there, with all their energy to bid me good morning. Was I like that when I was one and a half (or whatever that is in human years) I finally figured out the secret of their exuberant energy - they sleep away two thirds of the day - they are so well rested :) This is how they spend most of the days when we are at work and school - I am so envious :)

Evidence of spring, found right here in my yard :) These brave little things have come out to tell me to hang on for few more days, warmer days will be here soon. I always get excited when I first spot the daffodils peeking out. “O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” - P. B. Shelley

It is hard to believe that you are turning eleven today - the time has flown by so fast. It seems like yesterday when you arrived and brought happiness (and craziness:) in our lives like we had never known before. Who knew a 6lb 1oz being could be so much work. We didn't know anything about handling kids. The first time daddy held you, he sat upright without breathing, afraid he might hurt you if he moved at all. I remember when you first went to preschool when you were three and it was a bit tough on both of us - this transition from having each other full time, to being away for a few hours. I used to bring you something small - like a pack of crayons or stickers - as your reward for being a good girl. One day you also wanted to give me something back. When you came home you asked me to close my eyes - then you put these pebbles that you had found in the school yard in my palm - you were so excited about your gift to me - I was so overwhelmed with love. I still have those pebbles...

I think one of the biggest problem with eating out is the portion size - we get way too much food. And it is hard to keep track of it in a social setting when you are talking and laughing and putting stuff in your mouth without giving it much thought. A perfect solution would be to eat at a Tapas bar - if that is an option. We happened upon one when we were visiting Baltimore Inner Harbor on President's day. This place is called ' La Tasca '. The food was great and the best thing was the portion size - it was just the right amount for lunch time. I had Pollo al Ajillo (chicken breast cooked in white wine and garlic) - it was amazing. I also had ' Tradicional Sangria Tinta ' - it was sooooooo good - next time I am going for the pitcher. I have never tried cooking chicken with white wine - but after that meal I am definitely going to give it a try. Here are mom and dad waiting for their lunch :)

We went to DC last week - it was a gorgeous day - I took lots of pictures - some of them actually came out ok. Mannu, don't these make you want to come back sooner?