Break ke baad!!!

Back after a rather hectic and enjoyable break.It was indeed nice to spend time with family and friends and also enjoy Pune.
Well,nothing like sitting out in the terrace with a super cup(rather ,davara tumbler) of filter coffee made in chitale cow's milk(Rao mix coffee powder from Kumaradhara),and watch the brisk morning walkers and jogger's,not to forget those walking their dog's and the hustle,bustle of kids waiting for their school buses to pick them up,and young mom's sitting with their kids,trying to see if all the homework is done and all books are in place.
I too used to be among the regular morning walkers prior to shifting base to AbuDhabi.Here in this part of the world I do for sure miss all these things specially the filter coffee,and for sure the bright and colourful morning walkers& joggers.The early morning chill breeze,and birds merrily chirping away is certainly a treat,and sure makes my day.
I did get to enjoy all this for a short period during my recent visit to Pune.My DD was here on vacation for about three weeks.After relaxing and unwinding here for about ten days we all went to Pune via mumbai,and not to miss out on the vada pav and special chai we had en route.I always wondered how they make such good tea.Mine never is that good for sure.
The main purpose of the visit was DH 's 60th birthday.
DD & myself made all the plans and how to make life easier and comfortable right from day one.We reached home around 10pm on 29th march and a very dear friend had dinner ready for us.So after a nice & homely dinner we went to the provision shop and gave him the list and he assured he would deliver them first thing in the morning.Feeling rather proud at our organisation skills we returned home and slept like babies I must say.
Sorted out a lot of things early morning itself and waited and waited and waited for the fellow to deliver the provision which he finally did only by mid day.Made lunch after that only.Evening in laws arrived and were for sure extremely happy to be with their son after a long time.Next morning my mother arrived too from Hyderabad,slowly the house was getting the festive atmosphere and I must of course thank my dear maid servant who is always there when I need her most and certainly makes life so much more easier for me.
In the midst of arranging for the big day which was 7th April we had lined up a series of visits to the doctor,but I for one had surely not imagined that out of the 11 days I was in Pune I would spend 9 days meeting doctors and running around for one test or the other,leaving my poor DD to manage the house.I am sure her vacation went for a toss from the time we landed at Pune,though I do believe taking care of grandparents is a wonderful seva, and makes them so very happy and proud of their grand daughter for sure.
7th April the function was planned as a small family function only.Ganapati homam, nakshatra homam and navagraha homam were scheduled, and were all performed very earnestly and sincerely by our very dear Vishwanatha sastrigal and enjoyed by all.
The sumptuous meal(courtsey Akhila caterers) too was enjoyed by everyone.Post lunch we had an excellent session of singing by my dear cousin's son.Some superb singing and a wonderfully melodious voice.After a rather strong cup of chai everyone dispersed and we spent a quiet evening lazing here and there.
10th April was the cake cutting birthday(the first time in 60 years) that my DH ever cut a cake.Once again we had a family get together.DD had a couple of surprises for her dad.First she bought him an excellent churidhar Kurta set,along with the stole and a diamond ring too.There was a surprise for me too,she bought me too a lovely saree. Daughters are always so dear and sweet for sure!!!The cake was egg less mango cake so that the elders could eat too,I am glad that all of them really really enjoyed the cake.We had decided on authentic maharashtrian meal for lunch which was puri, batatyachi bhaji, aamras and of course for a south Indian meal is never complete without the famous thair sadam.We had a lip smacking lunch,yum yum!!
My very dear maid was there making hot pooris for all of us,without her I am sure I could not have managed all this.So my sincere heartfelt thanks to dear dear Savitha& god bless her and her children.
Post lunch was a gossip session which was fun filled and hialrious.
After the happy times it was now time for everyone to pack bags and leave.We too had to start our packing,the holiday was over already.
So looking back I am full of gratitude to one and all who shared the happy moments with us& God Bless!!!
Jai Guru Dev!!!