Winter Solstice

Though winter may have officially arrived, those of us in Minnesota have already broken out the winter coats and accessories, long before this day. Being that this is the darkest day of the year, shedding some light is in store! We re-visited the topic, from Friday, with Nishad.

Reason for the Seasons
The reason for the different seasons at opposite times of the year in the two hemispheres is that while the earth rotates about the sun, it also spins on its axis, which is tilted some 23.5 degrees towards the plane of its rotation. It is because of this tilt, that the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight (creating winter) while the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (creating summer).

Longest Night of the Year
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, “sun” and -stitium, “a stoppage.” From this point on, after the solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.

We began our morning celebration by making a crafty snowman to replace "Turkey Hiding in the Grass" artwork, proudly displayed above Nishad and Arun's table. It's going to be so much having Nishad around in the mornings. I plan on being very selfish and savoring this special time with my boys! Oh the places we will go, the things we will do...the fun we will have, the memories we will create! (Yes, a little bit of Seuss in me today!)

Ashish has off Wednesday through Friday as his work is closed- but the nature of his work never stops. :) He never uses vacation time at this time of the year because it's so slow, low-key...and well, we'd rather go someplace warm when we use those days! With four or five weeks of PTO per year and several winter months in Minnesota, one has to use those days wisely!

TV Kid Nation

Everyone rears their children the best they know how. Just as our parents did. However, just because your parents did something, it doesn't mean that you have to. Furthermore, just because of societal pressure to graze with the sheep, it doesn't mean that you have to give in as a parent to do as others do.

Ashish and I have always been very conscious of what our children read, see and do. We do our part in making sure companies don't market directly to them. This comes largely in part by way of TV, movies, dvds and educational (a-hem) programing. We also understand that they are learning so much and their minds are little sponges. What they need to learn are real-life things; touching, seeing, tasting, exploring...Not a mindless gaze at the tube.

I recall way back in school an assignment I had to complete for a child psychology class. I had to watch 20-minutes of a cartoon/"educational programming" for children and count the violent acts viewed. I literally lost count. This is pre-children...I can only imagine how I would view it as a parent.

I admit, last week, Nishad did watch a musical (of course!), "Annie." One that I second guessed in showing as soon as I saw Miss Hannigan snuggled up with the "Jack Daniels." Then there was a gun (something that isn't even in Nishad's vocabulary) in the hands of rooster as he chased after Annie to "kill" (another word not in Nishad's vocabulary) Annie. Needless to say, we had several breaks through the movie to take a moment to walk away from less desirable scenes. Auntie Kelly tried to ease my nerves and make me feel better by saying that he "probably just recalls all the singing and dancing." Let's hope so!

I feel especially proud though that we didn't give in or give up by letting Nishad watch TV programs and such before 3 years old. Not many parents can say that- I know my parents couldn't. However, the joy comes in knowing that we did the right thing for Nishad. Our child isn't a toy crazed commercial pup that yearns for Spiderman, Batman, Thomas, Wiggles, etc. He knows his Bunder (Curiuos George stuffed animal) as simply that...a bunder (monkey in Hindi). I love that!

Blizzard

This is my attempt of embracing a Minnesota winter...yes, during a blizzard! During nap time, I performed an impromptu "Blizzard Dance" on our deck. Photography by, none other than, my hubby, Ashish.

Winter Solstice Party!

Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Eid, Christmas, Samay Ki Pukar...All present and accounted for!

Today was Nishad's last day of school before Winter Break. I recall it when I was a kid, it was called "Christmas vacation!" Times have changed, though, and I feel for the better. In order for a child to grow-up and thrive in our world, to their fullest potential, they need to be aware of ALL cultures, ALL celebrations, ALL religions...which, simply put, are now represented in the United States. It was a wonderful celebration for the children. They spoke of how they all celebrated in various ways according to their religions or culture.

I volunteered to speak about the Winter Solstice. Ashish worked from home and baby Arun was his little assistant! We met up at P.F. Changs for lunch and then headed to the Border's to let Nishad pick out something. The weather cooperated! It was beautiful outside...which may the afternoon all the more perfect!

There were about 45 children present, though there are only 10 children in Nishad's class. I read a book, spoke a little about hibernation, the longest day of the year, had the children act out an impromptu sunrise filled with colors, sang a song and danced with streamers in the colors yellow, orange and red- symbolic of the suns rays. Of course, I had to hand out sunglasses to all as well. We must prepare for the longer days ahead! The children also learned a Caribbean dance. That was a lot of fun!

Every time I walk into Nishad's school I thank God that we are so fortunate to send him there.
One of the reasons we applied for Nishad to be at the school he is at, is because the children enrolled in the school reflect our global society. The world is a lot smaller now. In order for our next generation to compete in a global market, they need to know multiple languages, not just English, or even Spanish. Spanish is good in the sense that, if taught early enough, children will develop an ear for language. Spanish is limited in regards to where growth and commerce will be happening. However, the truth lies in those that will be speaking Japanese, Chinese, Hindi and French. Yet another reason why public school doesn't make the cut. You get what you pay for.

At one time, public school may have been sufficient, but it's time has since passed. It's sad that in one of the wealthiest nations on earth, in order to give your child the best education, you need to pay out of pocket. I'm not talking about taxes either. I'm referring to $6,000-$19,000 a year for a top-notch program starting from pre-school until Senior year. Yes, even before you pay for college tuition, your kids are already in an academic whirlpool.

Unfortunately, so many resort to ECFE and public funded programs that offer little more than "play time" by inadequate staff. This goes for community education classes as well. Believe me, I've given them several attempts to redeem themselves by enrolling in different classes with my child. However, in order to get a quality gymnastics class, I need to venture to a real gym and a real swim school... 20-minutes away, paying 6 or 7 times as much. How frustrating, disappointing...and such a waste of time! I recall teaching dance and meeting new students that came from such 'recreational' programs. Some of them had such potential, but already, at such young ages, formed bad habits because of poor instruction through community education classes. It was double the work for them (and me) to re-teach the basics. That's where some parents and I differ. This experience has taught me that if you do enroll your child in something, invest in them now, when they are little, so they don't form those bad habits. Let them nail the basics, whatever the subject may be, as they can only grow and build stronger from there. It's not about convenience...it's about being your child's advocate and arming them with the tools they need.

I understand that you do what you have to do, or know- and yes, exposing your child to something is better than nothing. However, there has to be a better way to educate society as a whole. I'm incredibly impressed in a pre-school in which every head teacher has their Masters degree, and every assistant, their bachelors. This on top of Montessori training.

We have our priorities in life. Our kids, and any reference to them tops that list. We make sacrifices- we must.

Bombchelle's top 10

I came across this and had to post it. Thank you, Explosive Bombchelle! ha,ha. :) It's not that I personally "hate" Minnesota...it's just that I find a lot of truth to be said in her words!

Top 10 things I hate about Minnesota
Although I made it well past the five years I agreed to live in Minneapolis, it is not because I fell completely head over heels about my new “home” location. Every area of the world has its own little issues that give residents reason to complain and keep the population under control. Imagine if Seattle had beautiful weather; the whole world would live there. Minnesota has many positive things going for it; however, the following list outlines the reasons why I will not retire Minnesota:

1. Winter-It is quite tiring to hear people talk about how easy winters are these days and how much worse they were in the early 90s, the 80s, the 70s, etc. Maybe this is how everyone deals with the miserable winters; make them out to be better then they really are. Three things make the winters in Minnesota horrible. First is the unbearable cold; there is just no way to describe the bone-chilling feeling of death that is -20F. I can still vividly recall like it was yesterday walking 6 blocks from the car to the Metrodome on an evening with a -35 wind chill reading and wishing the lord would just end the misery and take me someplace warm, and this was nearly 10 years ago. Then there is the snow which does not come until February or March, when winter is all but done in most of the world, because it is too cold to snow in January. Snow is beautiful around the Christmas holiday, not Easter. Adding insult to injury, the beauty that is fall in Minnesota, my favorite season, is cut far too short with winter coming well before the solstice and lasting beyond the Spring Equinox. The bonus issue with long harsh winters is how they destroy roads, leading to everyone's least favorite season, construction season, when roads are closed for months on end to repair winter's damage.

2. Mosquitoes-Jokingly known as the state bird, the lakes and humid summer conditions create the perfect breeding ground for the mosquito. Mosquitoes could easily band together and pick up small children and animals; carrying them clear cross-state. These little blood suckers grow to the size of dinner plates and their bites leave larger welts on your skin then if you were hit by a Johan Santana fastball. A good run of West Nile or worse would create a health epidemic of monumental proportions.

3. Hunting-Minneapolis is ranked as the 13th most “Humane City” in the United States by the American Humane Society. It is well above average in most animal-friendly indicators; few pet stores sell puppies (stores “stock” dogs through puppy mills), low number of fur shops and heavy regulations on “show-animals” like those for circuses. The one thing that drops Minneapolis to 13th in the rankings is the hunting culture that is prevalent across the state. I will never understand how people could kill animals for pleasure and live with themselves. I am from NY, we don’t shoot animals, we shoot each other; chances are the animal did not deserve it.

4. Minnesota Nice-Minnesotans are very nice on the outside, however, beneath the surface lies the real truth to all the smiles and niceties; Passive-Aggressiveness. Passive Aggressive is loosely defined as behavior in which damaging emotions, especially anger, are expressed indirectly through negative conduct and disguised resistance to the demands or expectations of others. No matter how upset, angered, frustrated or pissed-off a native Minnesotan gets at a person they remain stoically silent, avoid showing their unhappiness and even go so far as appearing agreeable to the person or actions that get their panties in a bunch. Locals will sit and watch a light change green a dozen times and never use their horn to wake the person in front of them up. A co-worker will make a bad decision and no one will say anything to correct them, instead complaining to others in the meeting after the meeting without fixing the situation. Any sign of directly expressing your opinion or speaking your mind is considered rude. As you can imagine, being from a passionate Italian-American New York family, where survival is based on your ability to stand your ground, makes me much (Minnesota) different then everyone around me and the transition to living amongst the passive-aggressiveness very (Minnesota) interesting.

5. I'll be home for Christmas-I grew up in a close-knit family with my parents and two sisters, only about 2 miles away from my Grandmother, aunts and most of my cousins. Those in the family who were not within the 2 mile radius could be reached in less than 30 minutes. While most of my family still lives within an easy drive of each other, I live over 1000 miles away. I am fortunate to make it home for most major holidays and a few other visits during the year, but what I miss is Sunday dinners, popping in unannounced for coffee, meeting close friends and family for a beer at the local watering hole, random family events and casual BBQs. It is very hard to see the life you once had disappear and everyone going on without you; people all but forgetting to include you in events because they assume you will not be in town. I really cannot say I hate Minnesota, I just hate that it is so far away from those I love.

6. Scandinavian Beauties-Growing up in a community dominated by those of Southern European descent made being a 5’ 9’’ blonde with blue eyes incredibly fun. It is easy to stand out in a crowd when most of those around you are a half a foot shorter. Mostly everyone comes from a Scandinavian, Baltic or German background; they are tall, blonde, fair and beautiful. Frankly suddenly being average is quite annoying.

7. Cliques-93% of the people who are born in Minnesota die in Minnesota, with most spending all the time between their birth and death solidly planted within the state boundaries. This situation allows natives to develop incredible longtime friendships but makes it quite difficult to be a transplant. Luckily I am married to a Minnesotan and his friends have let me in their inner circle, but most are not so fortunate to have this avenue to break in and make friends.

8. Family Friendliness-To say the taxes in Minnesota are high is like saying Brittany Spears is going through a little rough patch. We pay state and local governments through the nose but in return get America’s best schools, plenty of parkland filled with playgrounds, locally subsidized after school programs and enrichment activities. All wonderful things if you have children, which I do not. So my taxes rarely support things that I could actually use like better roads (you should just see the disgrace of the street I live on), a local dog park (Minnetonka is surrounded by cities with dog parks but does not have their own!), and adequate public transportation. Just to go off a little more on the tax situation I still cannot believe that taxes do not include trash pickup (have to hire that yourself), sewers or streetlights (which we pay for additionally as well even though we have neither on our block).

9. Land Locked-Lakes are pretty, but nothing beats the feeling of water as far as the eye can see, the smell of salt and miles and miles of sandy beaches. When my life becomes overwhelming with mounting responsibilities and issues I am overcome by a feeling of claustrophobia; like the walls of the world closing in on me. My cure when living by the ocean was simple; take a walk on the beach or sit on a rock overlooking the open water and enjoy the beauty of the sea. Calmness displaces insanity the instant you breathe in the ocean air, listen to waves crashing against the shoreline and feel sand tickle your toes. Without that release, I am unable to break a feeling of entrapment.

10. Where’s the DeliOh, how I miss a good NY deli; a place where you can order a mile high made-to-order pepperoni sandwich on crusty bread with all the fixings, a good potato salad, a fresh kosher dill pickle, a pound of deli meat, piping hot knishes, homemade rice pudding, a full chicken dinner, the newspaper, a 6-pack of beer and a lottery ticket. A few places outside the northeast have attempted to call themselves a deli, but they always fall short. As a self-proclaimed “foodie” I miss both the convenience and quality of deli food the most, followed closely by Italian bakeries, pizza joints that sell amazing pizza by the slice, good Chinese food that delivers and Wise potato chips. Lucky for me alot of this is easily solved with frequent trips home and very big luggage.

El Sol x3

Because of ice crystallization, it appeared as though there were three suns this morning during the sunrise.

Artisan

"It's okay Baby Arun, we know it's hard to be a little guy sometimes" Mommy Beverly said. "Yes, Baby Arun and sometimes it's hard to be a big guy too," says a very understanding Nishad. The more they grow, the more I marvel at them...

With my last holiday card order and photo sessions complete for December, I can sit back and relax a bit. I really do love receiving cards in the mail from friends, family and clients. This year I have an added feeling of bliss as I'm also once again seeing the photos I captured of people or the cards I designed...it brings so much pure joy in my heart. Thank you to those who give me the honor of capturing the essence of family and for designing custom cards- unique as each family really is. I was finally able to work on our card as well. It was snowing out when I was working on it, so being that it's the beginning of the season and I've already had enough cold weather, I decided to send everyone warm wishes. This was a rather impromptu decision, but people know exactly what my mind frame is of late. ha,ha. A card with a featured double meaning.

Ashish and I were both feeling under the weather (the kids were not affected at all- they have been fantastic). We actually decided to make our health a priority instead of pushing through commitments...Which, for me, was suppose to be a busy week of a park and recreation meeting, set-up at city hall for Santa Day and the event following on Saturday. I know that would have only made me worse and run-down. Ashish and I have never been the type of people who knowingly go out and spread germs to begin with. Even when our kids don't feel 100%, out of courtesy and respect, we inform other parents and cancel social events. It's not fun having a sick little one. It does amaze me how many parents ignore that their child doesn't feel well and they drag them along anyway. I know as an adult when I don't feel good, I don't feel very social. I'm sure children don't feel much different.

Last Friday I purchased a book and it wasn't a children's book! ha,ha. I am tickled at my new little discovery! As someone who grew-up surrounded by real bakeries and having a background of a Czech and German lineage I can confidently say, BREAD is my friend. Carbs, on the other hand, are a different story! However, who wants to pay $5.-6.00 a loaf for good bread? I'll admit I have...but who wants to? I also missed the fresh, rustic European breads that are found in Chicagoland. I have found a few places in Minnesota that I can find decent bread- but it's at chain stores. Behold, the answer! Artisan Bread in Five Minutes. I was so excited when I came across this book. I was ecstatic when I started reading it! I was delighted when I tasted it! So simple, so easy, so grateful to the author for sharing his secrets and for the co-author for sharing her tips and creating these user friendly recipes (for those of us who only "act" like we are trained at the Culinary Institute of America). You can mix everything up in one bowl, no kneading required. Better yet, the dough keeps in the fridge! So, everyday I can love me some bread! Furthermore, they are local authors. As an artist, I love to be able to support fellow, local artists. Check out co-author, Zoe Bakes, food blog.

I have often said I could survive on bread alone, chips and a good salsa alone. I still believe that!

Grand Weekend!

Alas, we are back from a wonderful weekend from the Twin Cities! You'll find our reviews of "The Grand Meander," "Swingin' Nutcracker," "2008 Hollidazzle Parade," "Hyatt," and "India House" restaurant below!

Destination number 1: The Grand Meander

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota

Despite a late start (it began snowing the night before and the city that we live in hasn't heard about the 1979 Mayoral race for re-election that Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic lost because of failing to getting the city moving with snow plows!), we made it to the Grand Meander by 11AM. One gets the impression that the people of Saint Paul are so proud of their city. Such a spirited, cultured group. The sidewalks were a buzz with holiday shoppers taking advantage of the deals and free samples offered to those that ventured out to meander. We shopped and shopped at Wonderment. Ashish and I really enjoyed creatively picking out toys for the boys so, Nishad especially, wouldn't see what we were purchasing. It helped that as soon as we picked something out, the lady that works their would take it and gift wrap it for us. This is a mother owned toy store that offer natural toys. It's definitely worth a visit- or two! Just one visit will explain to you why they are a 'different' kind of toy store. If you bring your children, be sure to check out the big tree in the back of the store! For those of you that don't live near Wonderment, you're in luck! Through Wonderment's web site, you can purchase the best holiday toys for your little ones and have them shipped direct. We at lunch, Nishad rang the Salvation Army bell for the Saint Paul Fire Department (a highlight for him!), we weaved in and out of people while pushing the double stroller through the snow as kinda, friendly people smiled... This was our second year attending. We first went in 2006, and then missed last year because I had to 'work' our city Santa Day event. I was really happy when I found out that the two events didn't conflict this year!

Destination number 2: "Swingin' Nutcracker"

Location: Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis

Much to our delight and luck, we were given four, main floor tickets to the 2PM for the "Swingin' Nutcracker" only this past Tuesday! Originally, I entered us in a drawing (the only way to see the show, that is suppose to be one of the hottest children's holiday tickets in town!) and we didn't get tickets. I received an e-mail early on in the week with instructions to respond if I would be interested in some "partial view" seats. I thought, "Anything is better than nothing!" And, being that we will be in the area anyway, it would work out wonderfully! I sent off my confirmation e-mail, only to receive another e-mail back, explaining that they were able to seat us with our 1 year old and 3 year old on the main floor! What an awesome surprise! Pre-show they have musical activities that were such a hit. The show itself was AMAZING! Even Arun enjoyed it. A live orchestra, and the best dancers combined with a spirited audience...this is what the holidays are made of! The show is only an hour long as well- perfect for a dose of culture for children- and those children at heart. Nishad is already such the little theatre-goer! He's an audience member that makes me proud. He is quiet, listens, pays attention and applauds promptly when the music or dance is over. My little gentleman!

Destination 3: Hyatt

Location: Nicolette Mall, Minneapolis

Upon walking into the Hyatt, you immediately notice the water, marble and beautiful Christmas displays and decorations. Nishad had fun checking out the HUGE Gingerbread house and Santa's sleigh display. Our room wasn't ready (However, we were technically checking in early.), but they gave us another room of equal of better quality. Our room was nice. It was one of the few that actually have a balcony that let's you open up your room and sit and watch the pool. This would be a great spot, especially if you have older kids. However, at night and early in the morning, it was nosy. This is "the" location for the Hollidazzle parade. We walked out of our room at 6:20PM, literally walked through the parade (lined in front of our hotel), crossed the street, had a curb-side spot next to Eyewitness 5 News, waited less than 5-minutes and the parade started! It was cold, however, we were prepared with plenty of blankets. The best part was that we were the last ones to come out to the parade, the first ones to leave (as we were viewing the parade at the start) and it was a short walk back to our snugly, warm and cozy beds! The following morning, we headed downstairs to Taxxi for the breakfast buffet. The buffet was $17.95 per person. Children 5 and under are free. A heads up- parking is $17 a night. (That's still better than $50 a night while we were in Chicago while staying at The Avenue .)

Destination 4: Hollidazzle Parade

Location: Nicolette Mall, Minneapolis

I have to admit that the 2008 Hollidazzle parade sponsored by Target was a bit lack-luster. It wasn't exactly a fairytale for all. A few our our personal favorites were the train and the soldiers, but overall, it lacked "sparkle" despite being lit up. Nishad seemed to enjoy it though, so maybe I just need to view it through the perspective of a child. After all, it's our children's perceptions that really count. So, C- from this Mommy and a solid B from Nishad.

Destination 5: India House Restaurant

Location: Minneapolis

Hands down, Ashish and I both agree, this is THE best Indian restaurant we have eaten at since Chicago. This out ranks Taste of India in St. Louis Park- which use to give us our Indian fix when we were in a pinch or didn't want to actually make it. Merely two blocks away from our hotel, I walked in and placed an order for carryout. Our order consisted of vegetarian samosas, alu gobi, chicken vindaloo and rice biyrani. The total came to $40. They also supplied plates and plastic cutlery. The wait time was about 15-minutes. The food...excellent! Note: One Friday nights they now offer live classical Indian music.

Hair Raising Drive

Bad choices. We are all guilty of making them. Hopefully, we learn from them.

I made a choice to venture out on Friday night to pick up some stuff from a print suppler and make a dash to Target. While it was snowing when I left the house around 7PM on Friday, the roads were not covered in black ice. However, they were coated with snow as we live in a city that doesn't believe in plowing until the snow stops- to which I say, why not wait until Spring then? ha,ha. They will eventually melt. Give us our tax dollars and we'll outsource plowing for the main arteries of our neighborhood. Leave it to the citizens that keep the town moving~ Especially, a commuter city.

While heading back home on I-94, on the strip between Maple Grove and Rogers a car, about two car lengths a head of me, hit black ice and spun out. The car landed with the two back tires in the ditch, and was luckily able to drive out of it. As I was about to hyperventilate, I quickly tried to react calmly. Ice too was now on black ice. I took my foot of the brake and eased myself to a stop. Thankfully, others behind me witnessed the spin out as well. Continuing on, we were all traveling at about 15MPH in traffic congestion. This could only mean that there was another accident ahead. There were- several to be exact. A few cars on the shoulder and a few in ditches- even down embankments.

I was never so relieved to see the exit for our house. Upon the ramp, there was another accident. Of course, I turned off the county road to a side street only to find our roads a mess of slush and ice underneath. Cars in the subdivision where sliding all over.

Needless to say, I feel so blessed and thankful that I am safe. It cried when I pulled in the driveway and stayed outside a bit to shovel. I didn't want the boys to see me crying. (Yes, my cheeks were frozen!) Don't get me wrong, Minnesota is a beautiful place and we've been very fortunate to live and lead the comfortable lifestyle that we do have here. However, I'm quite 'over' the snow and it's only the beginning of the season. I think it's time to start researching our next vacation.

Saint Nicholas

We celebrate Saint Nicholas, as opposed to the overly commercialized Santa Claus (A marketing stunt by Coke).

Saint Nicholas -vs- Santa Poem

Santa Claus is round and plump;
St. Nicholas is tall and thin.

Santa Claus wears a stocking cap;
St. Nicholas wears a bishop's hat.

Santa Claus comes December 25th;
St. Nicholas comes December 6th.

Santa Claus is often seen in stores;
St. Nicholas is often seen in churches.

Santa Claus flies through the air—from the North Pole;
St. Nicholas walked the earth, caring for those in need.

Santa Claus, for some, replaces Jesus at Christmas;
St. Nicholas, for all, points to Jesus at Christmas.

Santa Claus isn't bad;
St. Nicholas is just better!

—C. Myers & J. Rosenthal

See how Milwaukee celebrates!

Halloween Celebrated

No tricks, only treats! This was our first year attending DisneyWorld's Not-So-Spooky Halloween Party. What a blast...in a fashion that only Disney could pull off! From parade, trick or treating (we didn't even focus on this portion as Nishad and Arun already had quite the loot from just three stops!), costumes, rides and attractions...and of course, one really neat aspect of being a guest at a Disney resort is the personal "details" they provide. Upon check in, a Disney cast member gave Nishad a "It's my 1st Visit" button and Arun a "It's my birthday button" so they were showered with attention throughout the theme park! Nishad was given the honor of saying, "ALL-ABOARD" on the Disney Express at the theme park, and every where we went, Cast members wished Arun a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Arun went dressed as a skeleton and Nishad a Pumpkin! The event was very cute, very special, very worth it, very Disney.

Deck the Halls...

Alas, our tree is up! A day later than the "traditional" day after Thanksgiving...We were just too tired from all the cooking and feasting!

As always, a curry dish was a part of our menu: Cabbage Curry! We also made a delightful cranberry-orange chutney, with southern-style sweet patatoes, vegetarian stuffing, a tasty meatless turkey roast and turkey breast. For dessert, my boys made a pumpkin pie. The day before Nishad and I made peanut-butter cookies with chocolate stars in the middle.

I have to say, the meatless turkey roast was excellent. It's not at all like the lack-luster tofu turkey we've had in the past. It's actually made from Fusarium Venenatum, a naturally occurring soil fungus, the folks at Quorn capitalize on mother nature by making mycoprotein in a controlled environment. According to Wikipedia: “Mycoprotein is a generic term for protein-rich foodstuffs made from processed edible fungus.” I know, some of you are thinking, "I'll pass." However, you would be passing on a good thing! The mycoprotein found in Quorn is fermented in steel vats. Think of it in terms of brewing beer. You could simply compare the fermentation of mycoprotein to that of barley for beer. The process to make mycoprotein uses one fifth the energy to produce meat.

We didn't go to a tree farm this year. We needed to simplify things with two boys in tow. We went to a tree lot instead and hand picked the most beautiful tree! It's about 8-feet tall...adorned with all of my dance ornaments that I've collected or received through the years (some now 30 years+). I do proudly display my Mother's tree skirt.

The boys are enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. We had a Christmas dance party today. We each took turns dancing- Nishad is so athletic- such a natural gymnast! Arun is more rhythmical. He loves to turn around in a circle and then tosses his hands up in the air and lets out a "GLEE!" I think both of them would enjoy the Swingin' Nutcracker (finger's crossed as we are on the waiting list to the sold out shows!).

Nishad's tree is up as well. Which, reminds me- I have yet to take pictures of it. When he was 1, we started collecting animal ornaments for him. At 3, he has an entire tree of his own. We'll have to start Arun's this year. We seem to be slacking a bit with our little guy.

Nishad and his one liners, wit and charm. I picked him up from school today and Mary Beth was telling me about how chatty he was! We were in Byerly's and he had to greet everyone we passed, "HELLO!" One lady stopped and asked him how his Thanksgiving was and if he at turkey. He quickly said, "NO!" I explained that we are vegetarians (it's just easier in public, than giving a stranger the run down on our dietary habits). That's when Nishad interjects, "WE ate Lobster! BIG, BIG Lobster! Lobster with big claws (as he's imitating the claws with his hands toward the lady). BIG claws to CHOMP-CHOMP! They were in the fridge. But not now." She smiles at him and looks up at me with a 4th-grade teacher kind-of-look and says, "That's not exactly vegetarian." I smiled and said, "You're absolutely right." She went on to tell us about how they had a pheasant that was shot "fresh" for their main course. I think by the time we left Byerly's, everyone knew Nishad. Even Arun was speechless. Which, by the way, we didn't have lobster on Thanksgiving. And, when we did have lobster, Nishad didn't eat it. We did offer it though.

Which brings me to another Nishad story...Nishad's teacher told me how he didn't want any turkey at their Thanksgiving feast. In which I replied, "well he is vegetarian." Thank goodness he knows! In the car he and I were talking about the situation and he replied to me with a concerned expression, "We don't eat our friends." I said, "That's right, Nishad! We don't eat our friends!" haha. I need to make a bumper sticker up with that saying! "I don't eat my friends."

Last week, Nishad was explaining to his father that Mamma has mamillary glands and that he, Daddy and baby Arun have them too. No need to dive into the topic of pectoral muscles until the topic arises again... Lest I forget the "racoon" episode. I was getting dressed and had my black bra on the bed. Nishad walked in and grabbed my bra and held it up over his eyes and proclaimed, "Mamma! I'm a racoon!"

Arun, would be perfect for a chorus role in "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang!" Yes, he may only be 1, but boy can he sweep! He'd put to shame those other guys in the chimney sweep dance. Of course, he doesn't want his broom, crafted for little hands. Of course, he wants OUR broom so that Ashish and my (and Nishad's for that matter) reflexes are tested on a daily- sometimes hourly basis. I've never ducked are arched back so much since dance class! He carries it like a torch as well- as if it were an extension of his little body. He started saying "Cheese!" now. Hmn..I have no idea why. :) He helps with the laundry. He loves to put things in the dryer for me. A few weeks back, while at the doctors office I had my shoes off and he picked my show up and tossed it in the trash! Yes, as you guessed it...that IS the exact timing of when the doctor opened the door. Me, half way in the trash can, head first, fishing my shoe out..."Hi, Doctor!" (As my voice echoed as only in can in a plastic can.) Arun has no regard to the label of "BIO-HAZARDOUS"... Arun also says, "Cuc" for cucumber, "Car" and "Go!" He tries his best to say "shoes" but it comes out like "shooo shoo" (mental note: He could help Palin Shoo Russian boats away- he's a natural!).

I've been so busy taking pictures and creating Holiday cards for clients, I haven't had a chance to start ours. I'm normally the first one to mail out our cards. It's kinda refreshing though to be able to sit back and relish the cards we're receiving. I don't think I sat back, took a moment and smiled at them as I have this year. I'll get our cards done eventually- and in time for Christmas.

Ashish already has his Christmas present from me. I felt so proud as I bought it for him with earnings from my photography and design business. He wanted a Verizon HTC Touch Pro and he was in dire need of a new phone. Hopefully he'll think of me every time he touches it and then he'll get goosebumps! hee-hee! Just not enough static generated to short the phone. :)