
is this?

is this?





I now have to find help to create the bed and plant the plants.
Manjula’s garden will be between the two stone benches at the top end of our park.



The results are good so no need for a scan and after handing over parcels for Usha

we’re off back home.




Stopping on the way for lunch at fishland one of our favourite restaurants.
Manjula and I would have a drive through the countryside in the Ambassador drop in here for lunch after her regular visits to the clinic.
The staff asked where Madam was, I continue to share the old news which helps recognise and celebrate.
I now know what muse (moose) means.




Aadrika the immensely talented artist who created this wonderful portrait of the women in my life visited with Somesh and his six year old daughter Ritu (check her own art here) to photograph the painting so we can have prints made for some of our friends around the world. Whoopeee!

We’re reaching out to a whole new generation


Her mother asked why is there a cycle on the roof? She explained that this is Stephens house.
Ritu’s father Somesh visited with Aadirika to take photos of her wonderful portrait of Manjula and Lucie.

We’re going to find ways for Manjula to continue to reach out to young people.
Anita Nair a renowned author here in India has an annual programme ‘Anita’s Attic’ to help up and coming writers.
It’s my new thing, writing. Ha ha says the Yorkshireman, who can’t even speak English.
Our group of ten have just finished the latest programme with each of us reading a short creative piece that we’ve written.
Here’s mine. You can’t escape so easily. 🤭

Do provide critical feedback.

made me lighter. No not in weight, let’s not go there.



Ragu and his team can be found here
It’s one of those wishing differently days so great to announce more of Manjula’s gifts.





Manjula gave gifts to Divya, Naveen, Tanuja and Jossica.



Today’s messenger rest on a branch of the tree across from my balcony, repeatedly flies away and returns. Sometimes it’s still, at others its chuntering or maybe chewing.

The dragonfly arrives as I’m writing about how we first met to be submitted for a literary competition. I’m happy that this messenger is a reminder that she’s still with me and loves me. It’s taken up residence on the branch. Lucie’s walk will have to wait.
The dragonfly leaves to be replaced by a butterfly flying to me on the balcony.

A few weeks ago, I complained to Manjula that I’d not heard from her. Within days a dragonfly maybe ten times bigger flew into the downstairs hall, circled me three times and landed on Manjula’s pennant.




They get everywhere. Thank you Manjula
and everyone has a story.









