Missing My Mom on My Birthday

Feeling nostalgic and missing my mom, as my Mom’s picture is placed above my head position. Keeping her picture close to me can be a comforting way to cherish the memories and feelings I shared with her on my birthday. 

Remembering loved ones through photographs can bring a sense of warmth and connection, even though they may not be physically present.  

It must be extra special to share my birthday with the memory of being my mom's first child. My birthday is a beautiful reminder of the unique bond I have with her as her firstborn. Take this day as an opportunity to celebrate my life and the love she brought into the world through me and my siblings. 

My mom was a strong and caring person, raising me and my younger sisters under challenging circumstances. Her dedication and love in providing for our family despite the difficulties are truly admirable. Remembering those times can bring a mix of emotions, but it also highlights the resilience and strength we all developed together.

I take this moment to reflect on the positive impact she had on my life and the valuable lessons she taught me through those experiences. It sounds like my mom was a strong and caring person, raising me and my younger sisters under challenging circumstances. Her dedication and love in providing for our family despite the difficulties are truly admirable. Remembering those times can bring a mix of emotions, but it also highlights the resilience and strength we all developed together.

I cherish the memories and keep her spirit alive in my heart on my 79th Birthday.

Geet Always In Quest To Learn

Geet, a bright and curious little grand-daughter is very smart and bright girl. From the moment she could toddle, she was on a quest to learn various skills. Geet's eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of mastering something new each day.

Her day would begin with the sun rising over the hills, and Geet would run to her grandmother, eager to learn whatever she could. Grandma, with her wisdom and gentle heart, became Geet's guide on this journey of discovery. Together, they would sit under the old oak tree, where Grandma shared stories of their ancestors' remarkable skills and crafts.

The first skill Geet tackled was gardening. With a tiny shovel and watering can, she nurtured a small patch of flowers. Grandma taught her the significance of each plant, and Geet would listen attentively, taking notes in her little diary. Each blossom that bloomed brought immense joy to Geet's heart, and she soon became the village's little green-thumb, always ready to lend a hand.

Her quest didn't stop there. Geet yearned to explore music, and her father, a skilled musician, stepped in to teach her the melodies of the village's traditional instruments. From the harmonious sound of the flute to the rhythmic beats of the drum, Geet's passion for music grew, filling the air with her enchanting tunes.

But it didn't end with art and music; Geet was always seeking more. She took an interest in storytelling, learning the ancient tales passed down through generations. With every narration, she became a mesmerizing storyteller, captivating her peers during cozy evenings around the bonfire.

As she grew, Geet's insatiable hunger for learning became an inspiration to the entire village. They cherished her eagerness to explore, nurturing her endeavors and guiding her to mentors who could help her thrive in various skills.

As the years passed, Geet's quest for learning continued, taking her far beyond the village's borders. She embarked on adventures that enriched her knowledge and left a mark on everyone she met. The little grand-daughter had become a symbol of inspiration, reminding all that the pursuit of knowledge and skills is an everlasting journey, one that brings joy, fulfillment, and connection to the world around us. 

And so, Geet's quest continued, as she embraced each new day with excitement, ready to embrace the wonders of learning that lay ahead.

Finally Geet finds solace in deep meditation.

Geet helps peeling off Parwal in Summer

During the summer vacations, Geet eagerly helps with household chores, including peeling off Parwal or pointed Gourd. It's a heartwarming scene as Geet embraces the opportunity to learn traditional culinary skills from her wise and experienced grandmother.

Peeling Parwal becomes a delightful bonding activity for Geet and her grandmother. As they sit together, Harvi shares stories from her youth, passing down family anecdotes and culinary wisdom, deepening the connection between the generations.

Harvi imparts her age-old knowledge of selecting the ripest and freshest Parwal, guiding Geet on the art of identifying the perfect gourd with a gentle touch and keen eye. 

With patience and love, Harvi demonstrates the proper techniques for peeling Parwal. She teaches Geet how to handle the knife safely, ensuring that the process is efficient and accident-free.

By involving Geet in the kitchen, Harvi instills a sense of confidence and empowerment in her granddaughter. Geet learns that she, too, can be a skilled cook and preserve the family's culinary heritage.

Through this hands-on experience, Geet gains a profound appreciation for her cultural roots and the importance of preserving traditional practices. She realizes that cooking is not just a chore but an art form that connects her to her family's history.

Along with culinary expertise, Geet also learns essential life skills during this process. Patience, perseverance, and attention to detail are virtues that are instilled in her while peeling Parwal with her grandmother.

The memories of peeling Parwal together become some of her most cherished and nostalgic recollections, forging a lasting bond between the two.

These summer vacations with her grandmother leave a lasting impression on Geet's heart, shaping her into a well-rounded and appreciative individual.

Nerium Oleander plants in Our Back-Yard

Nerium Oleander plants sparkle in our backyard at Sun-Set.

Nerium Oleander, also known as Kaner, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is widely cultivated in various parts of the world for its beautiful flowers and ornamental value. Here are some more details about this fascinating plant:

1. Appearance: Kaner plants typically grow up to 6-18 feet (2-5.5 meters) in height, with a spread of 6-12 feet (2-4 meters). The leaves are lance-shaped, leathery, and arranged in whorls along the stems. The plant's foliage is dark green, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers.

2. Flowers: One of the most captivating features of Nerium Oleander is its striking flowers. They are often clustered at the tips of the branches and come in various colors, including shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. The five-petaled flowers have a tubular shape and a pleasant fragrance, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.

3. Toxicity: Despite its beauty, it's important to note that all parts of the Nerium Oleander plant are highly toxic if ingested. Handling the plant with care and keeping it out of reach of children and pets is essential.

4. Growing conditions: Kaner plants thrive in full sunlight, making them ideal for warm and sunny climates. They are drought-tolerant once established and prefer well-draining soil. They can be grown as a shrub or pruned into a small tree, adding versatility to their use in landscaping.

5. Maintenance: Nerium Oleander is relatively low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. Regular pruning can help shape the plant and promote better flower production. However, as mentioned earlier, caution must be exercised while handling the plant due to its toxic nature.

6. Cultural significance: In some cultures, Nerium Oleander holds symbolic meanings, often representing love, beauty, and grace. However, it's crucial to acknowledge its toxicity and avoid using it in arrangements where it may come into contact with children or pets.

Please remember that while Nerium Oleander can be a stunning addition to your garden, it is crucial to take necessary precautions and appreciate its beauty from a safe distance. If you decide to grow this plant, always ensure to educate yourself about its care and potential hazards.

Beach Walk On Moon Palace Resort Cancun Mexico

Once upon a starlit night of June 2016, in the enchanting Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico, two not so young travelers, Preet and Harvi, embarked on a romantic beach walk under the shimmering morning glory. The soft, powdery sand beneath their feet felt like a soothing embrace as they strolled hand in hand, the gentle ocean breeze tousling their hair.

The early morning Sun’s reflection danced gracefully on the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that seemed to pull the lovers closer together. They shared laughter and whispered sweet nothings, their hearts intertwining like the waves that crashed playfully along the shore.

They opened up about their dreams, fears, and aspirations, forging a deeper connection with each passing moment. In the stillness of the night, they found solace in each other’s arms, feeling a sense of completeness that only true love could offer.

Time seemed to stand still as they embraced the essence of the Moon Palace Resort, its beauty magnified by the company they kept. The sound of distant laughter and gentle waves harmonized into a soothing melody, lulling them into a state of tranquil bliss.

With promises of returning to this paradise and creating more cherished moments together, Both  headed back to the resort, their spirits lifted, and their love strengthened by the mystical experience they had shared on the Cancun shore.

Next day morning was even more refreshing and rejuvenating. 

And so, in the embrace of the Moon Palace Resort and the enchanting beach walk under the moonlight, Preet and Harvi found not just a beautiful memory but also the beginning of a lifelong journey of love, adventure, and togetherness.

Loosing Beared Thread causes Frustration

In the city of New Delhi the quaintest in India, there lived a wise and devoted Sikh named Amardeep Singh. He was well-respected in the community for his unwavering faith and commitment to his traditions, especially his long and proud beard. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon, Amardeep would start his day with a shower, cleansing himself before he began his spiritual rituals.

Flowing beard ready for getting tucked into a thick cotton thread tied around the face.

After his refreshing shower, he would gently pat his beard dry and proceed to the most important part of his morning routine—the beard tying ceremony. With practiced hands, he would take a thick cotton thread and skillfully wrap it around his face, neatly securing his beard in a typical way that he had been following for over six decades. This ritual had become a sacred act for him, connecting him to his Sikh heritage and spirituality.

The thread is visible!

Once the thread was in place, Amardeep would reach for his cherished hair fixer Simco and a hairbrush. He would carefully apply the fixer, ensuring that every strand of his beard was set in place. 

Dad who taught the method and style

As he went about this ritual, he would affectionately reminisce about the days when he first started this practice. It was his father who had taught him the traditional way of tying the beard, and since then, he had faithfully followed it as a mark of respect and devotion.

However, one fateful morning, as Amardeep completed his shower and proceeded to begin his beard tying routine, he couldn't find his precious cotton thread. He searched high and low—under the nightstand, beneath the bed, and even in the corners of his room. The thread seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving him anxious about the fixer on his beard early drying up without being proper and desired setting.

With a sinking feeling, Amardeep recalled that his son often helped him tidy up and was known for taking away his grooming items. This time, he was sure his son had taken the thread too. Frustration grew, and Amardeep was on the verge of calling out for help to search for the missing thread.

As he stood in front of the mirror, contemplating his next move, he noticed something peculiar. To his amazement, the cotton thread was already in place around his face, ready for securing his beard in its customary way. Amardeep's face lit up with a mix of relief and amusement. 

With a smile on his face, Amardeep thanked the divine for the miraculous turn of events. He learned a valuable lesson that day—that dedication and consistency in one's beliefs could lead to profound connections between the mind, body, and soul.

And so, Amardeep continued his spiritual journey, inspiring others with his unwavering devotion and the tale of the mysterious disappearing thread. Amardeep does not term it as a typical case of forgetfulness due to old age.

Amardeep is no other but me.

Amazing Guide for Chichin Itza Mexico - 7th wonder

Selfie in the Bus along with fellow travelers 

In July 2016, Harvinder and I booked tickets on a tourist bus from Moon Palace Resort Cancun, Mexico, for a visit to Chichén Itzá. During our trip, we had the opportunity to take a guided bus tour, and the guide impressed us with his fluent English, catering to the American tourists and explained in details the history of Mayan people.

Along the way, he kindly offered us the chance to buy souvenirs as gifts. He mentioned that the proceeds would help support his school-going kids, adding a heartfelt touch to the experience. 

It was a memorable journey that not only allowed us to explore the ancient wonders of Chichin Itzá, Mayan Civilization but also connect with the local community in a meaningful way.

Who took our picture

It's heartwarming to note about the guide's gesture to give us a surprise gift on our return journey. Even though the Taquila whiskey with our picture pasted on it was a thoughtful gesture, it seems he wasn't aware of our teetotaling preferences. 

Nonetheless, we accepted the gift graciously and paid him $20, showing our appreciation for his kindness. 

The unused whiskey, though not to of any use to us, holds a sentimental value and now decorates our shelves, reminding us of the memorable trip and the meaningful connection we made with the guide.

Herman S Sandhu and Avneet K Gupta Wedding

Anand Karaj is a Sikh wedding ceremony, also known as the "Blissful Union." It is a sacred and joyous occasion where two individuals come together to be united in matrimony according to Sikh traditions and customs. The ceremony takes place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. During Anand Karaj, the couple takes four vows, and the ceremony emphasizes equality, love, and commitment in a spiritual context.

We had a wonderful and memorable experience at Shilpy's cousin daughter's wedding in San Jose Gurdwara Sahib. The reading of ‘Four Lawan’ from Sri Guru Granth Sahib followed by recitation of the same by Bhai Sahib in melodious voice added to the beauty of the Anand Karaj ceremony. 

It was heartwarming to note that everyone was neatly dressed in ornamental and traditional clothes and that the ceremony was conducted with discipline and utmost respect. The 'Ardaas' at the end, expressing gratitude to Waheguru ji for the successful completion of the wedding, is a significant and sacred tradition in Sikhism. Such occasions bring people together to celebrate love and unity in the presence of the divine.

I hereby extend congratulations to Herman & Avneet, their parents, and their entire families on this auspicious occasion. May their journey together be filled with harmony, love, and understanding, as they follow the true traditions of the Sikh faith. May Waheguru bless them with a lifetime of happiness and togetherness as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

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