Hanging out Srirangapatnam

November 7, 2023November 13, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Here to prep the cycles for a student tour in two days.

I’m now sitting on the most unusual steps by the bathing ghats, which are featured on our Srirangaptnam tour.

With various characters walking by

I was previously innocently sitting at the bottom of the tree.

A wanderer asked where I was from and then … am I a bachelor. No reward for guessing what that means. I’m married whilst pointing to manjula’s tattoo.

Useful.

I’m appreciating wonderful views, whilst trying to ignore, in both locations, the wafting aroma of the evidence of defecating in the outdoors.

The juxtaposition of India.

We had a great tour last week, Brits, birds (they’re twitchers) and not especially smelly

Tipping point (and disconnection).

November 1, 2023 SFLeave a comment

I’m rereading this book.

“Transactive memory is part of what intimacy means….. it is the loss of this kind of joint memory that helps to make divorce so painful. .. They once were able to discuss their experiences to reach a shared understanding…. The loss of transactive memory feels like losing a part of one’s own mind.” Page 189

I can vouch for that and more, having ‘lost’ the two women Liz and MAnjula—Manjula and Liz, that were so critically important to me in my life.

There’s much in this book to recommend it.

Now in Manjula’s library

Butchers 2

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Another tree bites the dust without any heavy rain or wind but it’s the one next to it they were proposing to cut down

Part one here.

Here’s evidence, if we needed it:

1 the current team failed to spot which tree would fall next, their approach is random

2 in any case, it’s difficult to predict which trees will fall but it’s impossible without some expertise

3 we need some expert knowledge, supervision and accountability to target which trees are fundamentally weak and stop the unnecessary felling of trees

I have no idea where the railing is there. It’s not managed.

Back from our weekend away

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 SFLeave a comment

SB was all prepared for todays big puja.

I’m uncertain my T shirt was appropriate wear.

After our ‘family’ weekend, that’s Me with the girls…. Kaveri, her mum Chandrika, sister (aka auntie) Radikha together with Lucie at Chera Rocks in Kannur,

We introduced body boards to the beach, work and play. A fun weekend together.

Children’s Theatre

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023 SFLeave a comment

This event arrived at exactly the right timing for me.

Just as I’m investigating ways I might get involved with Kaliyuvamane school beyond my support for Kaveri.

It easily fitted my view that we should look to support children’s learning beyond established subjects. That would be to be better communicators, critical thinkers, develop the necessary competencies to manage life, and find their own passions.

I also found and bought some really cool images for home and school.

I can’t believe it

October 9, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Goats surf the net to find scrumptious garden.

One or two we can tolerate. But a whole bunch aka tribe, trip or flock munching on Manjula’s garden is a bite too far.

I don’t know how they found the garden or got inside. Maybe they did find it on the net or the two that found it last week, passed the message on.

They were chased out of town (ok the garden) with my big stick and shrill whistle. They conveniently led me straight to the owners.

Who knows how the ‘farmer’ can stop it happening. I’ll use the same aversion therapy if it happens again but I’ll complain to the council/Corporation. Their neighbours know this and have passed it on. Any more problems and they may have to shift them.

Manjula’s Garden Glows

October 8, 2023October 9, 2023 SFLeave a comment

As part of this year’s illuminations.

Our house is also full of plants.

The next night in its stormy rain glory.

Butchers

October 2, 2023October 3, 2023 SFLeave a comment

Unnecessary butchering of trees

Three trees chopped down in little over a day.

One tree fell because of a rain storm so they’re concerned more will fall. it’s important to protect people but let’s get the balance right and check with those we can trust, who know what’s best.

Only cut when and where it’s necessary.

Staff shouldn’t be given tree rein.

I failed to save at least one tree that didn’t need to be cut.

I’ve been advised that there’s no need to chop down the trees. Just trim the branches and reduce the ‘crown.’ So it doesn’t get waterlogged and top heavy when it rains, then it’s less likely to break and fall over .

I’ve seen a small chain saw at the end of a stick that’s ideal for the job.

It needs someone with the relevant skills and authority to take charge.

Do we care? Who is accountable? How do we stop it happening again?

Immersion — Visarjan

September 25, 2023September 26, 2023 SF2 Comments

We take Ganpati aka Ganesh and his mum Gowrie

To Paschimavahini, the river kaveri near Srirangaptnam.

Vasanth and Sowbaghya (and their able assistants Ravichandra and Naveen) doing the honours to immerse mum and son.

That’s after puja at home aka Mysore Bed and Breakfast

The one that’s hiding is Radhika Kaveri’s ‘sister’.

Garima and Trishalla joined us, after spending wonderful time together at this week’s children’s theatre event. Here with the irrepressible Kaveri.

Antoinette, from New York, regular guest of Mysore Bed and Breakfast provided more photos. Including catching me in a regular pose of bossing Kaveri. 🤔🤭

And finally from Vasanth…