Today, my daughter presented her research from last year’s Summer fellowship at Connecticut Land Conservation Conference at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.

The trails of Lyme Land Trust preserves are enjoyed by many, including some of the most ecologically damaging invasive plant species in our region. Ashwini Sahasrabudhe will describe the trail-side patterns of infestation for several focal species based on two months of fieldwork using a simple custom-designed smartphone app, and Jim will address how LLT will use this information to inform management options. The workshop promises to be eye-opening for those who enjoy CT trails, and will be useful for anyone wishing to address invasive plant issues on land they own or manage.

Ashwini turned 6 years old last Saturday. Now that she will start 1st grade this fall, she officially is a “big girl”. Recently, we had a parent-teacher meeting with her kindergarten teacher to go over her progress at school and were happy to hear what her teacher had to say: “If … read more

Ashwini was very impressed with irish dance done by a troupe of schoolgirls at her daycare on St. Patrick’s day. She tries to imitate what she saw, and it looks quite good. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any music playing when I recorded this. Should record it again with some irish music. read more

Ashwini: When I grow up, I am going to be doctor and teacher. Adit: I grow up be princess. Ashwini: You can’t be a princess, Adit. Princesses are girls. Adit: I be princess. Ashwini: You can’t be a princess. You can be a prince. You are not a girl. Adit: Adit girl… Adit … read more

Enjoying the last few popsicles of this year as Summer comes to an end. read more

As the schools started this month, a lot of out-of-school kids' activities have taken off as well. Our kids don’t even go to school yet, but that hasn’t stopped them from participating in these other activities. Last Saturday, Ashwini started going to a ballet class. After two sessions, … read more

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It is quite nice that we are about 2 miles from the beach and the ocean (actually, long island sound). Took the kids to the beach last week to just check out the place. Ashwini had been to a beach before, but it was the first time for Adit and he loved it. Initially, he was skeptical and … read more

Last weekend, we went to the Toledo Zoo. Thankfully, this is a small zoo as our kids last for about 2 hours before getting tired and cranky. We had enough time to view the seals and polar bears exhibit followed by a train ride through Africa and a couple of times on the merry-go-round. It is good to … read more

radio: … they had no food, no milk, no bread. All the markets in Gaza …. me: quickly turn off the radio Ashwini: Why did you turn it off? I want to listen to that “Jack and the beanstalk” story. These days, I have to be very careful about listening to radio in the car when … read more

Ashwini wanted to take photos while we were playing outside. I showed her the classic left-hand-under-the-lens camera hold and she was shooting like a pro in no time. Below are a couple of photos of Adit and me that she took. I was really impressed with her sense of framing the pictures properly. read more

The cat is away again and the mice are enjoying their freedom. While Adit was taking a nap, Ashwini decided to make brownies and I was eager to help out. Getting the mix ready Ashwini had to taste it to make sure it was ready After 45 minutes….. Yummm! Ooey-gooey brownies made her teeth all … read more

Ashwini wrote it all by herself, and look at that pretty flower she drew. I hope to receive many many more such cards in the future. :) Thanks to all of you who sent your wishes yesterday.

Don’t just stand there taking photos, put me in this swing!!! By the way, Happy Birthday to V!!! read more

After running around in the yard all afternoon and getting wet while washing the cars, on a warm sunny spring day, everyone was just wiped out. Adit was busy gobbling up some snacks and Ashwini fell asleep in the couch while reading a book. Adit was happy to see Ashwini asleep and got busy with … read more

After running around in the yard all afternoon and getting wet while washing the cars, on a warm sunny spring day, everyone was just wiped out. Adit was busy gobbling up some snacks and Ashwini fell asleep in the couch while reading a book. Adit was happy to see Ashwini asleep and got busy with … read more

V's brother made a CD of assorted Hindi songs for her and it is being played in the car for some days. Ashwini listens and remembers these songs without understanding most of the words. It is funny how we catch her humming "saagar kinaare... dil ye pukaare... tu jo nahi to mera koi nahi hai" or … read more

Spring is in the air. It is starting to get warm outside. That means it is time to blow bubbles again. read more

Tangled up in blue and white on her birthday. Although it is hard for us to believe, a couple of days ago, Ashwini turned 4 years old. She is growing up too fast, learning everything too fast, and talking a lot. I start to hyperventilate when I start thinking about when she turns 14-15 and wants to … read more