Life goes yet thoughts are on people of Japan and how they are coping with the devastation.
Now and then watch the news for latest on Fukushima.
Could see helicopters jetting water into the reactors to cool it down. A bit too late yet under the circumstances they are doing what they can to bring the situation under control.
Since last week I have been busy writing a chapter on taking precautions before monsoons set in. This is one among many chapters in a project for a client. There are so many things to write about.
Was thinking about how preparedness helps minimizing losses of many kinds. So too is the case with the nuclear reactors. Japan's example must have shaken the world and I hope countries having nuclear reactors will plan for any eventuality. Of course the single focus in such cases would be to concentrate on cooling the core and the sooner they get on to the job, the better for saving people and property.
As a measure of precaution they should have massive pumps and sumps holding tons of water on the periphery (other than those coolants near the core) which should get activated once disaster is imminent. The pumps should start spraying water in the direction of the core from a distance, to cool down the fuel rods used in reactors.
I wonder if it would make sense to have each reactor placed some distance away from another reactor unlike what we saw in Fukushima prefecture. They seemed so nearby to me on the TV. But having all clumped together also may have its own advantages.
Each reactor should have fire-fighting equipment surrounding it. These fire fighting systems should be planned in layers around each core. There should be inner rings and outer rings to take on this job in case of such disasters. This is the real and practical insurance against such natural calamities.
Money loss can always be made over with help from inside and outside but fire fighting after a disaster is disastrous to say the least.
The world will pay more attention to developing solar energy from now on.
I guess its already been researched and kept ready by some developed nations like the USA and Europe but they will wait until oil is really dear.
Solar energy is clean, non-polluting, with almost no supply hassles, cost effective over a period of time for the equipment which needs to be put in place to tap it, though initially capital intensive it does have long run benefits which far out weigh any other source of energy. Barring a few disadvantages like
# getting the sun to shine :)
# Trapping maximum energy
# Storing - especially during cloudy weather and rains - until it could be used by the end-user which is the biggest challenge
# Ensuring minimum loss while supplying from source to the end-user by having very effective insulation for carriage.
Solar energy has been my pet subject ever since I came across several projects in I.I.Sc. Bangalore. One was in the silk manufacturing units of Kanakpura which used solar panels to heat water, then some interior villages like Ungra and one other which I don't remember right now. All this almost 30 years back!!
May the sun god always smile!
Cheers
Mahalakshmi
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Leaving The Nest
When the young of the birds come out of their egg-shells they make such a big noise that the parent rushes back to calm them down with bits of food.
The young don't understand that making noises could attract unwanted attention from preying enemies who are ever ready to make a meal of the young of birds and animals.
Then a vigilant parent often teaches through demonstration how the young should flex their wings to fly and how to hunt for food. The young ones simply follow whatever their parent does and learn the subtle tricks of survival.
Over a period of time, they are fit and the parent never hesitates to send them out on their own. That's all. The parent gets busy for the next breeding season and has no time for the young ones who have been taught to be independent.
They are karma yogis and do their jobs without a trace of attachment. Yet not long back they would have fought to protect their young at any cost.
Alas! Humans never can forget their young until their last breath.
We have so many ancient texts that show us how to be wise, detached, kind, loving, dutiful, spiritual, etc., etc. Yet we are far from remaining balanced in our good as well as bad times.
We are attached to our children so much that we want absolute control over them or at least want maximum control over their minds.
Most families have one or two children. When they grow up they invariably leave home and usually settle far away. In good time they start their own families.
Mostly busy with work and taking care of their own families, might leave them only with a few days or weeks to visit parents, friends, classmates, relatives, in-laws' side of relatives.
Some families make the most of such vacations while some turn these into nightmares with complaints, accusations, etc.
Parting time is one filled with a lot of emotions either way - happy or sad.
Sadness at parting by both parties.
Happy to part and feel relieved that at last it's 'time' to head 'homewards' to one's own nest.
Can we be like those birds or animals? No. We should not be like them either. Otherwise what will set us apart from those creatures?
I think we have to balance our feelings. Have some activities to keep us busy.
Be there when they need help and stay away when they need to lead their own lives. Just like God is not there but HE is there when we need HIM the most! Sigh!!
Cheers.
Mahalakshmi.
The young don't understand that making noises could attract unwanted attention from preying enemies who are ever ready to make a meal of the young of birds and animals.
Then a vigilant parent often teaches through demonstration how the young should flex their wings to fly and how to hunt for food. The young ones simply follow whatever their parent does and learn the subtle tricks of survival.
Over a period of time, they are fit and the parent never hesitates to send them out on their own. That's all. The parent gets busy for the next breeding season and has no time for the young ones who have been taught to be independent.
They are karma yogis and do their jobs without a trace of attachment. Yet not long back they would have fought to protect their young at any cost.
Alas! Humans never can forget their young until their last breath.
We have so many ancient texts that show us how to be wise, detached, kind, loving, dutiful, spiritual, etc., etc. Yet we are far from remaining balanced in our good as well as bad times.
We are attached to our children so much that we want absolute control over them or at least want maximum control over their minds.
Most families have one or two children. When they grow up they invariably leave home and usually settle far away. In good time they start their own families.
Mostly busy with work and taking care of their own families, might leave them only with a few days or weeks to visit parents, friends, classmates, relatives, in-laws' side of relatives.
Some families make the most of such vacations while some turn these into nightmares with complaints, accusations, etc.
Parting time is one filled with a lot of emotions either way - happy or sad.
Sadness at parting by both parties.
Happy to part and feel relieved that at last it's 'time' to head 'homewards' to one's own nest.
Can we be like those birds or animals? No. We should not be like them either. Otherwise what will set us apart from those creatures?
I think we have to balance our feelings. Have some activities to keep us busy.
Be there when they need help and stay away when they need to lead their own lives. Just like God is not there but HE is there when we need HIM the most! Sigh!!
Cheers.
Mahalakshmi.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Earthquake and Tsunami
Sorry about the long break from blogging.
Work, work and more work coming my way which is good for the mind.
What shook me out of my stupor is the devastating earthquake and Tsunami.
Just 2 days before this event, yahoo had put up a picture of a big moon with a caption 'supermoon...' The explanation which was given was the moon will be very close to earth on the 19th March.
I shared this piece of news one day before the tsunami, with my husband over our morning cup of coffee. I was saying, this natural phenomenon means there will be an earthquake of high magnitude but to find out where, I din't have the time to check out on some things.
Varahamihira, the great handed down some gems of predictions based on the natural phenomena perhaps after observing keenly nature over a period of time, so many centuries back. It holds good even today!
Many question the logic behind these superstitions yet there appears to be solid reasoning behind what is to come in a given circumstance.
Let me quote some examples of what has been handed down to us by our wise rishi-munis.
1.
An eclipse will result in natural calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.
I have followed this one since the past 11 years out of interest. I have observed, especially after a total solar eclipse there has always been an earthquake of more than 5.5 Richter scale in one region or the other. Then there are volcanoes which get quite active after eclipses.
This is not mere superstition.
Though earthquakes keep occurring all the time in one part or the other all over the world, it is the magnitude plus the duration which matters (and these invariably occur after or around eclipses), it shakes up the earth unlike the mild tremors which keep adjusting the plates across the land mass or continents.
My observations have led me to believe that lunar eclipses or moon moving closer to earth leads to gravitational pulls of the vast water mass which in turn disturbs the land plates. Hence the earthquakes and at times followed by tsunamis - mild or strong - again depending on the magnitude of the earthquake.
Whenever there is going to be an eclipse, I Google to see the path of the eclipse across the globe. Then there's a spot where the eclipse is intense or lasts longer. Invariably around these areas - natural calamities can be expected.
2.
Many have reportedly lost their eyesight due to carelessness in not taking adequate precautions during solar eclipses. It is a superstition not to go out at all during such times. Maybe they want to prove that nothing will happen even if they watch the sun during solar eclipses without adequate/proper protection thinking it is all superstition. Ancient wisdom is full of logic. Maybe the down-the-line generations have put a fear in the minds of the people in the hope that they will obey these things without questioning. People need to know the logic behind to follow some precautions.
3.
Then Varahamihira mentions how excess of bamboo flowering in any year will be followed by famine in the region.
This phenomenon has proved to be true each and every time. The north east regional states in India have abundant growth of bamboo trees.
There have been famine during certain years. And if one looks closely there would have been an abundant flowering on bamboo trees in those years preceding the famine.
I wanted to find out a logical reason for this. I found that out!
Excess flowering would mean excess food for the rodents and pests. They will gorge on it and multiply their population further. When the flowering season would be over, they will turn to the grains or anything available in the fields. In no time the army of insects and rodents would decimate the yet-to-be harvested crop. What follows would certainly be famine in the region. These are modern times so mankind is clever enough to take care of the rodent and insect population during such times if they are wise to observe nature from close quarters.
These are such logical explanations and we say there is a lot of superstition going around. I would say, behind some key superstitions, lie lots of wisdom which mankind could use to great advantage.
May all the souls rest in peace which left their mortal frames in the recent tsunami.
May the Japanese rise like the Phoenix yet again. Easier said than done but Japan is a brave and disciplined nation. They have never been afraid of working hard to help their nation get on to its feet in record time. It may seem hopeless when we watch the re-runs of the devastations on TV channels but soon the nation will come to terms with this tragedy too. But God has been really unkind giving them so many upsets one after another in the past couple of days - earthquakes, tsunami flooding, volcanoes, nuclear explosions...
Mahalakshmi
Work, work and more work coming my way which is good for the mind.
What shook me out of my stupor is the devastating earthquake and Tsunami.
Just 2 days before this event, yahoo had put up a picture of a big moon with a caption 'supermoon...' The explanation which was given was the moon will be very close to earth on the 19th March.
I shared this piece of news one day before the tsunami, with my husband over our morning cup of coffee. I was saying, this natural phenomenon means there will be an earthquake of high magnitude but to find out where, I din't have the time to check out on some things.
Varahamihira, the great handed down some gems of predictions based on the natural phenomena perhaps after observing keenly nature over a period of time, so many centuries back. It holds good even today!
Many question the logic behind these superstitions yet there appears to be solid reasoning behind what is to come in a given circumstance.
Let me quote some examples of what has been handed down to us by our wise rishi-munis.
1.
An eclipse will result in natural calamities like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.
I have followed this one since the past 11 years out of interest. I have observed, especially after a total solar eclipse there has always been an earthquake of more than 5.5 Richter scale in one region or the other. Then there are volcanoes which get quite active after eclipses.
This is not mere superstition.
Though earthquakes keep occurring all the time in one part or the other all over the world, it is the magnitude plus the duration which matters (and these invariably occur after or around eclipses), it shakes up the earth unlike the mild tremors which keep adjusting the plates across the land mass or continents.
My observations have led me to believe that lunar eclipses or moon moving closer to earth leads to gravitational pulls of the vast water mass which in turn disturbs the land plates. Hence the earthquakes and at times followed by tsunamis - mild or strong - again depending on the magnitude of the earthquake.
Whenever there is going to be an eclipse, I Google to see the path of the eclipse across the globe. Then there's a spot where the eclipse is intense or lasts longer. Invariably around these areas - natural calamities can be expected.
2.
Many have reportedly lost their eyesight due to carelessness in not taking adequate precautions during solar eclipses. It is a superstition not to go out at all during such times. Maybe they want to prove that nothing will happen even if they watch the sun during solar eclipses without adequate/proper protection thinking it is all superstition. Ancient wisdom is full of logic. Maybe the down-the-line generations have put a fear in the minds of the people in the hope that they will obey these things without questioning. People need to know the logic behind to follow some precautions.
3.
Then Varahamihira mentions how excess of bamboo flowering in any year will be followed by famine in the region.
This phenomenon has proved to be true each and every time. The north east regional states in India have abundant growth of bamboo trees.
There have been famine during certain years. And if one looks closely there would have been an abundant flowering on bamboo trees in those years preceding the famine.
I wanted to find out a logical reason for this. I found that out!
Excess flowering would mean excess food for the rodents and pests. They will gorge on it and multiply their population further. When the flowering season would be over, they will turn to the grains or anything available in the fields. In no time the army of insects and rodents would decimate the yet-to-be harvested crop. What follows would certainly be famine in the region. These are modern times so mankind is clever enough to take care of the rodent and insect population during such times if they are wise to observe nature from close quarters.
These are such logical explanations and we say there is a lot of superstition going around. I would say, behind some key superstitions, lie lots of wisdom which mankind could use to great advantage.
May all the souls rest in peace which left their mortal frames in the recent tsunami.
May the Japanese rise like the Phoenix yet again. Easier said than done but Japan is a brave and disciplined nation. They have never been afraid of working hard to help their nation get on to its feet in record time. It may seem hopeless when we watch the re-runs of the devastations on TV channels but soon the nation will come to terms with this tragedy too. But God has been really unkind giving them so many upsets one after another in the past couple of days - earthquakes, tsunami flooding, volcanoes, nuclear explosions...
Mahalakshmi
Monday, February 21, 2011
Break Ke Baad
Seems like a long time.
There is time to breathe, to eat, to work, to sleep, to even manage to watch TV with half closed eyes or falling asleep blissfully, thankfully not missing much of anything on the TV screen! What with so many "Break Ke Baad" every 5 minutes!
Yet no time to blog a few lines!
Last fortnight, met a very interesting person, Vijay Vishwanathan of Alchemy, who runs an institute at Kasturba Nagar Main Road, Adyar, teaching drama, theatre, acting, transforming shy individuals into outspoken ones, modelling, etc to anyone who wishes to enroll, of course for a fee, age no bar, from 5 to 75 years allowed!
He is himself a young man with hands full of activities. He came across as a multi-talented individual with a passion to make a huge difference to his life and I am sure he has indeed made a huge difference to the many who have so far trained under him.
Last week made impromptu bread (soaked in water but squeezed dry quickly) cutlets with the heart full of mozzerella cheese, green chillies, whatever masalas my hands could lay on, fresh corriander leaves, some oregano to make it taste like pizza! Shallow fried them and viola! my sons liked it so much that they have asked me to make them once more.
And that once more is today! This time I have teamed up the remaining cheese with mashed potatoes and perhaps I should dip them in bengal gram and cornflour batter to make a new bonda variant!!
Must get to the kitchen quickly, as its already tiffin time here!!
Cheers!
Mahalakshmi
There is time to breathe, to eat, to work, to sleep, to even manage to watch TV with half closed eyes or falling asleep blissfully, thankfully not missing much of anything on the TV screen! What with so many "Break Ke Baad" every 5 minutes!
Yet no time to blog a few lines!
Last fortnight, met a very interesting person, Vijay Vishwanathan of Alchemy, who runs an institute at Kasturba Nagar Main Road, Adyar, teaching drama, theatre, acting, transforming shy individuals into outspoken ones, modelling, etc to anyone who wishes to enroll, of course for a fee, age no bar, from 5 to 75 years allowed!
He is himself a young man with hands full of activities. He came across as a multi-talented individual with a passion to make a huge difference to his life and I am sure he has indeed made a huge difference to the many who have so far trained under him.
Last week made impromptu bread (soaked in water but squeezed dry quickly) cutlets with the heart full of mozzerella cheese, green chillies, whatever masalas my hands could lay on, fresh corriander leaves, some oregano to make it taste like pizza! Shallow fried them and viola! my sons liked it so much that they have asked me to make them once more.
And that once more is today! This time I have teamed up the remaining cheese with mashed potatoes and perhaps I should dip them in bengal gram and cornflour batter to make a new bonda variant!!
Must get to the kitchen quickly, as its already tiffin time here!!
Cheers!
Mahalakshmi
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Trip to Tirupati
Alas! We could travel as a family to Tirupati last Sunday, after 25 years (our sons were just 10 months old then).
Hired an Indica for a day.
Early morning the motor pump in our flats' conked off so we had to start off an hour later yet we were determined to make it.
The driver and all four of us had a breakfast of 2 Idlis and 1 Vada at Hotel Akshaya, Thiruvallur.
At the car park, a broker materilized from nowhere offering quick darshan at Rs.600 per person. We said not much rush so we will go for the Rs.300 per person, darshan. He cursed us saying it will take us more than 7 hours to see the lord. We said, so be it and proceeded.
We went along a long-winding Rs.300/- special Q. Enroute bought the special darshan ticket. After a while we were led into a large chamber which resembled a stadium with wide granite steps and people were seated here and there on those steps.
The capacity could easily have been between 300 to 400 people per chamber.
I could see 2 wide gates locked, at either ends of the chamber and solid grills separating the chamber from the common corridor. There were many chambers like this one.
We could see the previous chamber full of people pour into the common corridor, once one of the gates of that chamber was opened. There was a mad rush of people to get into the common corridor. From then on, it was pure jostling and pushing forward until one reached the sanctum sanctorum to have the lord's darshan. People were crowding everywhere without any sense of discipline or direction. Jumping Qs and jumping lines were common sights.
Thankfully only one chamber was opened at a time to allow all people inside to pour into the corridor. Yet I was afraid of another stampede taking place, a la Sabari at Tirupati too.
The air was so full with the aroma of clarified butter which is used to prepare the famed Tirupati laddus and those wonderful cooked rice delights.
Since it was 1pm and the gates of our chamber still locked up, we could hear the loud rattling of trolleys in the common corridor. Big vessels carrying piping hot food had arrived. The volunteers got out paper plates and ladled out sambar rice and pushed it through the grills onto eager hands onto our side. As soon as plates full of food were thrust, hands appeared and disappeared quickly.
Many inside the chamber ate this free lunch. The facilities provided by the temple is really thoughtful. There is a wash basin, a number of toilets and a kiosk selling soft drinks, coffee-tea, roasted nuts, etc. all along the numerous chambers.
There was a digital display indicating the time it will take to have darshan.
The display showed 3 hours as the time, we are expected to wait in the Q even though there was not so much rush that day.
There were pious outbursts of Govinda, Govinda from the crowd from time to time.
There were the usual fights, bad mouthing, sudden peals of laughter, cries of pain and so many languages being spoken. It was very entertaining to be part of it all even if it were for 3 hours!
Just before the main entrance, there was free flow of water to wash the feet of anyone entering inside the temple. This is a nice concept, otherwise there is no way one can break that Q and go to wash feet and then rejoin for darshan.
Finally after a lot of ups and downs and walking on sloped, slippery wooden ramps, concrete, marble, granite floor surfaces, we were suddenly in front of the lord only to be shoved by the security guards there, asking us to move on fast so that others also could have darshan of the lord.
Once out, a volunteer thrust a mini laddu in our outstretched hands, which was the prasadam for that time of the day.
Then another round of struggle, this time to get out of the temple.
We shopped for the famed wooden dolls (of a man and woman) and a few artificial flower garlands for my friend and a specific picture of lord Krishna and a mould of the gopuram at Tirupati with small lights for my mother.
From there we went to see Goddess Padmavathi at Thirchanoor. I kept up with the chanting the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam right from Chennai itself. The aroma of pure ghee was all over this place too. After the darshan of the divine mother, we got on to the prasadam Q which was not so crowded. That day they served us a small portion of ghee rice which was lightly salted and peppered. It was such a divine and tasty prasadam. We were all feeling the pangs of hunger for so many hours too.
Once out of the temple, we headed straight to a simple wayside vegetarian restaurant. We had masala dosa and good strong coffee. Made a parcel of dosa for our driver who was waiting outside for us.
I told him to take us to the local vegetable market. Found there were no markets, only carts stocking vegetables on the roadsides. I shopped for typical Andhra vegetables like the dondakkai, budummakkai, avvarakkai, butter beans, allam and vannkkailu! while the driver ate his late lunch at 7.30pm!
Searched high and low for pure cow's ghee but could not find any. Should have asked at Tirupati itself. Later came to know that it is available in a shop near Hotel Vishnu Priya at Tirupati.
Next time I shall remember to buy the pure cow's ghee there.
Quite a longish post. Sorry about that!
Mahalakshmi.
Hired an Indica for a day.
Early morning the motor pump in our flats' conked off so we had to start off an hour later yet we were determined to make it.
The driver and all four of us had a breakfast of 2 Idlis and 1 Vada at Hotel Akshaya, Thiruvallur.
At the car park, a broker materilized from nowhere offering quick darshan at Rs.600 per person. We said not much rush so we will go for the Rs.300 per person, darshan. He cursed us saying it will take us more than 7 hours to see the lord. We said, so be it and proceeded.
We went along a long-winding Rs.300/- special Q. Enroute bought the special darshan ticket. After a while we were led into a large chamber which resembled a stadium with wide granite steps and people were seated here and there on those steps.
The capacity could easily have been between 300 to 400 people per chamber.
I could see 2 wide gates locked, at either ends of the chamber and solid grills separating the chamber from the common corridor. There were many chambers like this one.
We could see the previous chamber full of people pour into the common corridor, once one of the gates of that chamber was opened. There was a mad rush of people to get into the common corridor. From then on, it was pure jostling and pushing forward until one reached the sanctum sanctorum to have the lord's darshan. People were crowding everywhere without any sense of discipline or direction. Jumping Qs and jumping lines were common sights.
Thankfully only one chamber was opened at a time to allow all people inside to pour into the corridor. Yet I was afraid of another stampede taking place, a la Sabari at Tirupati too.
The air was so full with the aroma of clarified butter which is used to prepare the famed Tirupati laddus and those wonderful cooked rice delights.
Since it was 1pm and the gates of our chamber still locked up, we could hear the loud rattling of trolleys in the common corridor. Big vessels carrying piping hot food had arrived. The volunteers got out paper plates and ladled out sambar rice and pushed it through the grills onto eager hands onto our side. As soon as plates full of food were thrust, hands appeared and disappeared quickly.
Many inside the chamber ate this free lunch. The facilities provided by the temple is really thoughtful. There is a wash basin, a number of toilets and a kiosk selling soft drinks, coffee-tea, roasted nuts, etc. all along the numerous chambers.
There was a digital display indicating the time it will take to have darshan.
The display showed 3 hours as the time, we are expected to wait in the Q even though there was not so much rush that day.
There were pious outbursts of Govinda, Govinda from the crowd from time to time.
There were the usual fights, bad mouthing, sudden peals of laughter, cries of pain and so many languages being spoken. It was very entertaining to be part of it all even if it were for 3 hours!
Just before the main entrance, there was free flow of water to wash the feet of anyone entering inside the temple. This is a nice concept, otherwise there is no way one can break that Q and go to wash feet and then rejoin for darshan.
Finally after a lot of ups and downs and walking on sloped, slippery wooden ramps, concrete, marble, granite floor surfaces, we were suddenly in front of the lord only to be shoved by the security guards there, asking us to move on fast so that others also could have darshan of the lord.
Once out, a volunteer thrust a mini laddu in our outstretched hands, which was the prasadam for that time of the day.
Then another round of struggle, this time to get out of the temple.
We shopped for the famed wooden dolls (of a man and woman) and a few artificial flower garlands for my friend and a specific picture of lord Krishna and a mould of the gopuram at Tirupati with small lights for my mother.
From there we went to see Goddess Padmavathi at Thirchanoor. I kept up with the chanting the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam right from Chennai itself. The aroma of pure ghee was all over this place too. After the darshan of the divine mother, we got on to the prasadam Q which was not so crowded. That day they served us a small portion of ghee rice which was lightly salted and peppered. It was such a divine and tasty prasadam. We were all feeling the pangs of hunger for so many hours too.
Once out of the temple, we headed straight to a simple wayside vegetarian restaurant. We had masala dosa and good strong coffee. Made a parcel of dosa for our driver who was waiting outside for us.
I told him to take us to the local vegetable market. Found there were no markets, only carts stocking vegetables on the roadsides. I shopped for typical Andhra vegetables like the dondakkai, budummakkai, avvarakkai, butter beans, allam and vannkkailu! while the driver ate his late lunch at 7.30pm!
Searched high and low for pure cow's ghee but could not find any. Should have asked at Tirupati itself. Later came to know that it is available in a shop near Hotel Vishnu Priya at Tirupati.
Next time I shall remember to buy the pure cow's ghee there.
Quite a longish post. Sorry about that!
Mahalakshmi.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Cooking And Complimenting
It's a picnic of sorts at home with our sons back with us now.
Enjoying, trying so many dishes and having a gala time preparing and serving a variety of food.
Feel so happy when all the food disappears as fast as it appears.
Honestly can't say whether the dishes are nice or not. Everybody eats whatever is prepared. Either all are hungry and so they eat. Or they just eat what is prepared whether or not they like it. No choice for them really, eh! :D
My sister from Chicago always says it's with pleasure and devotion we cook for the family. Our role must end there. The like or dislike of whatever food put on the table depends entirely upon the luck of the person(s) eating it. If they compliment, well and good.
I feel very happy to get compliments for an item well-prepared. But I know it's never good to expect everyone to have only good comments each and every day. If they don't express anything, never feel bad! I have never failed to thank anyone who has cooked and served me with food.
Well,
thanking for being served and complimenting good food are two different things.
Anyone who cooks each and every day, will know how much time and labor it involves and most times it is done with much love and care for family or friends.
At functions like marriages/house warming, etc., it's been my habit to taste every single dish served. I never forget to seek out the host as well as the contractor/caterer and compliment them about the good dishes that I relished without fail. I take care to mention only the best out of the whole, so that it comes from my heart and does not appear artificial. If the food was just OK, I would still go over and thank them anyway.
I always take care to compliment them only after I have finished with eating. Otherwise, the hosts/cooks/servers have a habit of heaping on some more of whatever I praised, despite my protesting that I can't eat anymore.
Even for complimenting about good food, 'timing' seems very important just like the comedy scenes in movies. With food one has to be doubly careful as the stomach can withstand only so much.
In the Hindu religion, serving food to one's fill is considered the best among all charities. As this is the only time when we say 'no' to more than our capacity to eat. Hmmm... those were the days when the concept of doggy bags were not yet popular!!
But not so with charity of money, materials, etc.
More is always welcome. Storage or carrying is no problem. Bags can always materialize from nowhere to store any quantity being given away.
Cheers.
Mahalakshmi
Enjoying, trying so many dishes and having a gala time preparing and serving a variety of food.
Feel so happy when all the food disappears as fast as it appears.
Honestly can't say whether the dishes are nice or not. Everybody eats whatever is prepared. Either all are hungry and so they eat. Or they just eat what is prepared whether or not they like it. No choice for them really, eh! :D
My sister from Chicago always says it's with pleasure and devotion we cook for the family. Our role must end there. The like or dislike of whatever food put on the table depends entirely upon the luck of the person(s) eating it. If they compliment, well and good.
I feel very happy to get compliments for an item well-prepared. But I know it's never good to expect everyone to have only good comments each and every day. If they don't express anything, never feel bad! I have never failed to thank anyone who has cooked and served me with food.
Well,
thanking for being served and complimenting good food are two different things.
Anyone who cooks each and every day, will know how much time and labor it involves and most times it is done with much love and care for family or friends.
At functions like marriages/house warming, etc., it's been my habit to taste every single dish served. I never forget to seek out the host as well as the contractor/caterer and compliment them about the good dishes that I relished without fail. I take care to mention only the best out of the whole, so that it comes from my heart and does not appear artificial. If the food was just OK, I would still go over and thank them anyway.
I always take care to compliment them only after I have finished with eating. Otherwise, the hosts/cooks/servers have a habit of heaping on some more of whatever I praised, despite my protesting that I can't eat anymore.
Even for complimenting about good food, 'timing' seems very important just like the comedy scenes in movies. With food one has to be doubly careful as the stomach can withstand only so much.
In the Hindu religion, serving food to one's fill is considered the best among all charities. As this is the only time when we say 'no' to more than our capacity to eat. Hmmm... those were the days when the concept of doggy bags were not yet popular!!
But not so with charity of money, materials, etc.
More is always welcome. Storage or carrying is no problem. Bags can always materialize from nowhere to store any quantity being given away.
Cheers.
Mahalakshmi
It's Month End Already!!
Yes Asha. It's got much to do with the novelty of the thing or event. When something is new we are seized with it every moment until it wears off or others view or comment about it critically. But the fever or frenzy does come down eventually and for good! Newton seems to be always right!! What goes up has to come down, it's just a matter of time. :D
31st Jan today.
Already one month gone and 11 more to go.
New dairy got filled for the initial few weeks very sincerely.
Don't know under which heap of papers it's hiding now.
No time or patience to search either.
E-mails to my sisters and friends and this blog are the record of what happened and when so for all practical purposes this is a dairy but it's too open, na? And I can't write how much of what was ordered from the groceries this week!
Yesterday being Sunday, soaked rice and dals for various kinds of tiffins.
4 rice for 1 urad dal for idli/dosa
2 cups of urad dal for utthappam with many other ingredients like chopped ginger, fresh corriander leaves, cummin seeds, peppercorns, finely chopped cabbage, onions and green chillies, chilli powder, asoefotida and salt - all went in after the batter got ready!
Then it was 3 dals (tuvar, bengal and pesar) and equal quantity of rice for a fusion pessarette/adai - again with so many ingredients added to pep up the batter.
The mixie/blender was groaning and heating up in protest. I had to trouble the gadget promising not to touch her during weekdays if possible!
The tiffin problem seems to be taken care of for at least 6 days, till coming Saturday.
We don't frequent hotels for tiffins or meals nor do I feel like ordering from the caterers around our place.
I have always loved cooking for the day and I don't miss it for anything unless I am travelling which is not so frequent.
That reminds me that our family is due to visit the family dieties at Madurai temple and then my sons are so keen to visit Tirupati. We plan and it shall take shape if God wants us there! Something or the other keeps cropping up to prevent travelling out. I think I should book the tickets and worry about getting or not getting time. But cancellations are a big bore so one has to think well in advance.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. Its quite sometime since the family traveled together.
A big project which is 22 months old now, is due to end in a couple of weeks, I hope.
I will take some time off before I get started with a new one not that offers are pouring in :D.
Prayers for the welfare of all of us.
Mahalakshmi
31st Jan today.
Already one month gone and 11 more to go.
New dairy got filled for the initial few weeks very sincerely.
Don't know under which heap of papers it's hiding now.
No time or patience to search either.
E-mails to my sisters and friends and this blog are the record of what happened and when so for all practical purposes this is a dairy but it's too open, na? And I can't write how much of what was ordered from the groceries this week!
Yesterday being Sunday, soaked rice and dals for various kinds of tiffins.
4 rice for 1 urad dal for idli/dosa
2 cups of urad dal for utthappam with many other ingredients like chopped ginger, fresh corriander leaves, cummin seeds, peppercorns, finely chopped cabbage, onions and green chillies, chilli powder, asoefotida and salt - all went in after the batter got ready!
Then it was 3 dals (tuvar, bengal and pesar) and equal quantity of rice for a fusion pessarette/adai - again with so many ingredients added to pep up the batter.
The mixie/blender was groaning and heating up in protest. I had to trouble the gadget promising not to touch her during weekdays if possible!
The tiffin problem seems to be taken care of for at least 6 days, till coming Saturday.
We don't frequent hotels for tiffins or meals nor do I feel like ordering from the caterers around our place.
I have always loved cooking for the day and I don't miss it for anything unless I am travelling which is not so frequent.
That reminds me that our family is due to visit the family dieties at Madurai temple and then my sons are so keen to visit Tirupati. We plan and it shall take shape if God wants us there! Something or the other keeps cropping up to prevent travelling out. I think I should book the tickets and worry about getting or not getting time. But cancellations are a big bore so one has to think well in advance.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. Its quite sometime since the family traveled together.
A big project which is 22 months old now, is due to end in a couple of weeks, I hope.
I will take some time off before I get started with a new one not that offers are pouring in :D.
Prayers for the welfare of all of us.
Mahalakshmi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
