Beauty of Kerala

Neelakurinji in Munnar, Kerala

Neelakurinji or Strobilanthes Kunthiana blooms in a bunched style on distinctive inflorescence stocks once in every 12 years in the Silent Valleys of Munnar, Kerala. Here’s a picture taken in 2006. We have to wait till 2018 to see next full bloom.

Muttar – Aleppey (Alappuzha) – Very nice place for picnic. Full greenary and lake is near by. Photos taken in last may


Backwaters, Kumarakam, Kottayam. If you like, you can spend the whole day & night in houseboat. Affordable packages are available. They will provide you food for 3 times. Fresh fish (karimeen) and kappa are the main items in the menu.

Will post more pictures later.

date26 Jul
comments3 Replies
moreMore

Spicy Rasam

Ingredients

Chilly powder
Turmeric powder
Coriander powder
Small onions
Garlic
Black pepper
Fenugreek
Asafetida
Mustard
Curry leaves
Tamarind
Small piece ginger (optional)

Preparation Method

Heat black pepper, fenugreek and a pinch of asafetida and powder it. Crush garlic and onions and ginger. Heat a pan and add little bit oil. Season mustard and curry leaves. Add garlic and onion. Let it become golden brown. Add coriander powder. When it becomes dark brown, add turmeric powder and chilly powder. Add the powdered ingredients and enough salt and tamarind paste. Now add water according to your requirement. This rasam is bit spicy. Still it is very good for cold and digestion.

You may notice that I never tell you about the quantity of ingredients. Its only because, I am also not sure about that. While making a dish if I feel something is missing, I will add it that time. I love to put more chilly and salt. You may not like that much spicy dish. So please forgive me. But I am sure about the ingredients.  

date25 Jul
commentsReply
moreMore

A Loyal Doctor

2 days before my hubby’s shoulder was paining. He has minor shoulder pain from the morning and when he did push-ups during his exercise, it increased and he couldn’t move his left hand. We went to a famous hospital near by. Actually we wanted to go to the gastroenterologist as my husband has disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and we believed that the pain is because of that only. But while the time we reached the hospital he was not available. So someone referred us to the chief medical consultant. We felt very comfortable that the doctor is a keralite and his first and last name contain names of saints. by the time we reached the consultation room, his assistant told doctor had gone for rounds and would come within 20-30 minutes.

We started to wait. 9.30, 10.00, 10.30 time went on. Then the assistant told doctor had gone to a meeting and coming directly from there. At last he came. My husband had this same problem before and so we went with recent ECG and prescription lists from other doctor. He was not even ready to hear anything. He told us to tell about that particular day’s problem. We told that. Then he wrote for 5 types blood test (including thyroid and cholesterol), urine test, ECG, X-ray and lungs tests. We did all those things and they told us to come in the afternoon to collect the reports. We didn’t get any medicines. Evening we went and collected all the reports and gone to the doctor again. He checked all papers and told everything normal, you can go. I lost my temper. Still I asked him politely-”Sir, both of us took leave today only because his shoulder is paining and still now we didn’t get any medicine. He can’t move his left hand now also”. Suddenly he took prescription pad and gave such a lengthy list. Some medicines for 15 days, some for 30 days and 1 tablet for 3 months. If everything seems normal, why did he prescribe all those medicine? He wrote medicines of a particular company and told us to buy that only. Out of 7, 6 types of medicines we got from the pharmacy. For one medicine we went to minimum 5 medical shops. Pharmacists told they would give us same medicine from another companies. Yesterday my hubby went with some other reports to the doctor. That time he was not there in the hospital where we went previously and was working in another hospital. He went there, met the doctor and got the same medicine from that pharmacy. I told my husband “You can do any exercise; but no push -ups. Today’s push -up cost us nearly 4000″

Yes, that doctor is loyal to the hospital where he works and to the medicine company who gives him costly rewards. But to the patients?????

date24 Jul
comments3 Replies
moreMore

About a White Lotus

Lotus Temple is one of my favorite places in New Delhi. It’s a worth visiting tourist spot. Very calm and quiet place. People are not allowed to make a small sound inside the temple.  The volunteers are always trying their best to keep pin drop silence inside the temple. Its based on Bahai faith and this faith (Bahai) doesn’t believe in a specific god and not collecting money from people. Inside the temple is like a large meditation hall. There is no picture or statue of any God or religion. I was so glad to get a chance to visit this symbol of the spiritual unity of mankind. It is surrounded by an awesome garden. It offers peacefulness to the visitors. This is a beauty queen amongst temples. If you go to Delhi, do visit this place.

“There is one God; mankind is one; the foundations of religion are one” – Bahai Holy Writings. This is the thought behind Lotus Temple. It is located in Kalkaji, southern part of Delhi. We were staying 10 km away from that. The temple is white in color and has a shape of half opened lotus flower. It is made up of marble, cement, sand and many other things. Lotus Temple is a wonder of 20th century architecture. People from all ethnicity, spiritual faith and race from around the world come over there. Lotus Temple is the 7th and latest Bahai houses of worship in the globe. The temple is a must visit place for all tourist who comes to Delhi.

Brain behind

Lotus Temple was designed by Iranian architect Mr. Fariborz Sahba and was presented the Award for Excellence in Religious Art and Architecture by the Us-Based Institute of Structural Engineers in the UK, for designing a building that was so beautiful in the form of a flower and so outstanding in its visual impact. It was my hobby to check light flooded Lotus Temple when reaching Maharanibhag.

For your reference

Lotus temple is kept closed on Mondays. And another important thing is that the timing is different for summer and winter. In summer it keeps open 9 am – 7 pm and in winter (October-March) timing is 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.

date23 Jul
comments1 Reply
moreMore

Taare Zameen Par – Stars on Earth

I was thinking to write one review on this film for a long time. It is a heart touching movie. I congratulate Amir Khan for producing and directing such a nice movie. I think this movie has helped many parents to change their attitude towards their children who are suffering dyslexia (difficulty in learning). I used to think why parents are always comparing their kids with neighbor’s kids? If kids start to compare parents with neighborhood aunty or uncle, what to do?

Tare Zameer Par is about a child named Ishan (I like to call him Ishu as his mom calls him) who suffers because nobody; not even his mom can recognize that he finds difficulty in learning. But his mother is doing as much as she can. His father is stereotypical and always blames the child and compares him with the elder one. He thinks Ishu is too naughty and thats why all the problem occurs. So in the middle of an academic year, he’s sending to the boarding school. The new school is stricter than the old one. He’s suffering a lot to adjust with the new situation. He becomes moody and keeps away from his classmates. Still one handicapped boy named Rajan in his class is always trying to make Ishu happy and valuable. I liked that character also.

Things get change when a new guest lecturer comes to the school. He can understand Ishu’s condition because once he also went through such difficulty in studies. He’s going to Ishu’s home, talking with his parents and trying to convince them with the actual problem. There he found that Ishan is a good painter and amazing with his color sense and creativity. He requests the principal and starts to train him separately. Ishu starts to understand things slowly. I think the painting competition was to make Ishu proud among all the students and teachers. Nikumb Sir (Amir) was 100% sure that Ishu only going to get the first prize. All the teachers give chance to the viewers to laugh during that painting competition scenes.

The moment when ishu receives the certificate and turning was unforgettable. He runs to his master and hug him. We can see all his thanks, love and compassion to his master at his face. I also clapped with all the children and teachers. Gradually Ishu becomes like any other boy.

Strict father, loving mother, understanding brother, pitiless teachers and all other characters made their parts great. Darsheel Safary’s Ishaan made me cry many times. Superb acting Darsheel. Best of luck.
I loved the message of that movie. Never compare them with other kids. Realize that your child may have many other talents that others don’t have. Another problem with many parents is they are not ready to agree that their child has some disability and it should be getting treated. They afraid if they agree that, people will think their kid has some major issues like mental problems. This will make condition worse. Only academic skills and abilities don’t create great people. There may be inborn talents and creativity with your child. Don’t try to blow off it. Support him. Show him that you are there if there’s any difficulty. Have a happy parenting.

date22 Jul
comments3 Replies
moreMore

Fish Curry and Fry

I am very much fond of sea food especially fish. Here’s my fish curry and fry recipe.

Ingredients

1) Fish

2)
Chilly Powder
Turmeric powder
Ginger
Garlic
Salt

3)
Coconut grated
Small onion

4) Curry leaves, green chilly

5) Tamarind

6) Water

Fish Curry

Make a thick paste of ingredients mentioned in (2) and (3). Mix enough water and tamarind (kudam puli is the best.If not available add normal tamarind. In central Kerala we use kudam puli only). Boil the gravy and add cleaned fish pieces. Cook it in law flame for 15-20 minutes. After 10-12 minutes you can check whether its ready by tasting. Add some curry leaves and fried green chilly if you like.

Use a clay pot to make fish curry. It will taste authentic.

Fish Fry

fish fry

Mix some black pepper with ingredients mentioned in (2) and make a thick paste. Apply this on the fish pieces and keep it for 10-15 minutes. Heat a frying pan and pour enough cooking oil and fry it (please don’t deep fry- fry 1 side at a time).

I know your mouth is watering- i don’t argue that its because of my tasty recipe. I know. But these photos are really tempting.

 

date21 Jul
commentsReply
moreMore

Sunday Gospel – Seeds and weeds

Every sunday we are going to St. Layola’s church at Kodambakkam. Yesterday’s gospel and our priest’s speech on that attracted me a lot. This was that gospel.

For your reference

Mathew 13:24-30

24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.

25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.

26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field?

Where then did the weeds come from?’
28″ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29″ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ “

The 26th line was true in Jewish culture at the time of Jesus. They were very jealousy about others prosperity and used to destroy their rival group’s wealth as much as possible in darkness. I am not going much inside of all those issues. Just see in our present life how we practice these things?

Anger and jealousy make people blind and they will do anything to make others lesser than them. They will never think how much their attitude and approach hurt others. Can you heal the wound you have created? Judgment is another thing- We usually criticize people. Actually whether we have freed from all those mistakes? Please avoid unwanted criticism. Help others as much as possible. Be happy at your fellow beings’ growth and prosperity. Develop a healing nature instead of hurting.

date20 Jul
commentsReply
moreMore

A Nice Article about Love – by Swami Vivekananda

I found it very nice and true. Sharing it here for you people.

Swami Vivekananda

I once had a friend who grew to be very close to me. Once when we were sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, she filled the palm of her hand with some water and held it before me, and said this: “You see this water carefully contained on my hand? It symbolizes Love.”

This was how I saw it: As long as you keep your hand caringly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if you attempt to close your fingers round it and try to posses it, it will spill through the first cracks it finds.
This is the greatest mistake that people do when they meet love…they try to posses it, they demand, they expect… and just like the water spilling out of your hand, love will retrieve from you .

For love is meant to be free, you cannot change its nature. If there are people you love, allow them to be free beings.

Give and don’t expect.
Advise, but don’t order.
Ask, but never demand.

It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice. It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring.”

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but by the moments that take our breath away…..

================================================================

Jinu

So friends, love unconditionally. Use your heart to love not brain. One day you will find true love.

Good Luck

date19 Jul
comments2 Replies
moreMore

Tasty Recipe for this weekend – Aviyal

It’s my favorite veg. dish. Prepare and taste. You also will like. It’s a mixed vegetable curry with coconut and coconut oil. You can use any seasonal vegetables. Avoid bitter guard and ladies finger.

Ingredients

1) Elephant yam – 1 piece (Chena in Malayalam, chenai kizhangu in Tamil, Suvarna gadde in Kannada, Jameenkhand in Hindi)
2) Raw Green plantain -1( ethakka in malayalam, valaikkai in tamil & kannada, kela in hindi)
3) Chembu – I don’t what it is in any other language
4) Snake gourd
5) Ash gourd
6) Carrot
7) Long Beans
8] Brinjal
9) curd
10) Drumstick
11) Coconut
12) Coconut oil, Curry leaves, green chilly, small onion, jeera

Cut all vegetables into thin long pieces. Cook them with salt & turmeric powder. Use minimum water. Don’t use pressure cooker. Use a closed kadai. That’s better. Grind coconut, green chillies, 1 onion and jeera. Not to a fine paste – just to mix all those together.1-2 rotation in min. speed of your mixie is enuf. Mix this with curd and mix with the cooked vegetables. Add some curry leaves and close the lid.
cook again for 2 mints. Open the lid. Pour some coconut oil on the top. Your aviyal is ready. It will look something like this. If you like it, I will take all the credit. If not so I am not responsible. You might be missed to add some ingredients

date18 Jul
comments5 Replies
moreMore

Man proposes God disposes

If something wrong happens in the morning, the whole day will be spoiled. You know what happened this morning? Yesterday night itself I have planned to prepare “steam cake (puttu)” for breakfast. Puttu and Pazham (steam cake & banana) is very nice combination for breakfast. I slept till 6.30 because I was sure that this dish won’t take much time. I measured rice powder and mix it with jeera and water. My whole calculations went wrong. The powder became a paste. By seeing this, my hubby came for my help. He put some rava and coconut. Then we planned to make pan cake out of that. As the powder was fried, it got stick on my frying pan. But I was not ready to fail. I used that dough to make something like iddly. Luckily my premier cooker didn’t cheat me. It came out. As it was hard; still tasty. Our doubt was what to call that dish. My hubby usually packs the breakfast item for lunch. So if his colleagues ask him, he has to tell them a name. My husband suggested many names and I liked one “pagal appam”. Really this thing made me mad in the morning. Thus that naming ceremony got over. In a hurry I made rice and subji (vegetable curry) for lunch. These types of experiences are common and obvious when you have to handle many roles together. There is no internet in the office now. My boss is firing Airtel people. He’s telling about turn over and loses. Very nice to hear that. :) Byee

date17 Jul
commentsReply
moreMore
 Page 12 of 13  « First  ... « 9  10  11  12  13 »
snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake snowflake