Astrovelo

Ashwini and I went for a bike ride in the evening. I think she likes to feel the wind on her face. If I slow down, she pats me on my back to make me go faster. Click on the thumbnails to see the bigger photos.

Ashwini and I went for a bike ride in the evening. I think she likes to feel the wind on her face. If I slow down, she pats me on my back to make me go faster. Click on the thumbnails to see the bigger photos.

Ashwini has taken a liking to “Chitale Bandhu Bakarvadi”. It is surprising that she doesn’t find it hot or spicy.

Yesterday, she refused to touch a Krispy Kreme donut and chose to eat a fresh plum instead. I had imagined that she would just suck the donut down. I was wrong.

Ashwini has taken a liking to “Chitale Bandhu Bakarvadi”. It is surprising that she doesn’t find it hot or spicy.

Yesterday, she refused to touch a Krispy Kreme donut and chose to eat a fresh plum instead. I had imagined that she would just suck the donut down. I was wrong.

Ashwini enjoying a Mogra (Jasmine) flower from our garden. It ended up in her mouth soon, but was quickly removed by her ever-vigilant mother.

Her current favorite evening activity: Getting soaked in our neighbour’s sprinkler.

Ashwini enjoying a Mogra (Jasmine) flower from our garden. It ended up in her mouth soon, but was quickly removed by her ever-vigilant mother.

Her current favorite evening activity: Getting soaked in our neighbour’s sprinkler.

There are about 350 forts in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri range) of Maharashtra. These were great strategic assets to kingdoms to keep big areas around them under control. They served as lookout posts to keep an eye on the enemy movements during the time of war. Most of these majestic historic monuments are untended and in a condition of disrepair. They are wonderful destinations for hiking and usually have a cave or a temple that can be used as a shelter in the night.

These two pictures are of lookout posts from Pratapgad near Mahabaleshwar and Lohgad near Lonavla.
  

There are about 350 forts in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri range) of Maharashtra. These were great strategic assets to kingdoms to keep big areas around them under control. They served as lookout posts to keep an eye on the enemy movements during the time of war. Most of these majestic historic monuments are untended and in a condition of disrepair. They are wonderful destinations for hiking and usually have a cave or a temple that can be used as a shelter in the night.

These two pictures are of lookout posts from Pratapgad near Mahabaleshwar and Lohgad near Lonavla.
  

Our favorite menu for many-a-Saturday nights in Summer.

• Grilled Salmon (any wild caught, if available. this time, it was Alaskan) with Cajun spices
• Basmati Pulav with lots of pineapples, cranberries, raisins and nuts
• Steamed Asparagus (absent last time. got lazy)
• A Shiraz or a Merlot (it was 2002 Ravenswood Shiraz).

Black eyed Susan is one of my favorite flowers of the Summer. We have a lot of them in our garden and they just started blooming yesterday.

Thanks, co_techie

Thanks, co_techie

cheese | steamed vegetables | cheerios | blueberries | water

Last two days were just perfect. Made me realise why I don’t mind living through Michigan winters. High temp around 70F (20C) and lows around 50F (10C). This is second week in July. Absolutely beautiful.

Hopefully, we won’t be facing this same question from Ashwini in another 4-5 years.

Time seems to be flying by. It is time for another monthly update. Actually, I am late by one day.

Ashwini
• is not just walking anymore, she wants to run everywhere.
• is developing a personality. Getting stubborn. Saying 'No' and 'nako' for everything.
• still loves her books. Now, she sits with the books and pretends to read by herself. Usually, she has about 9 books open all around her if left to herself. This photo shows her favorite reading spot.
• is learning to speak new words everyday. 'wower' for flower. 'thaakoo' for thank you.
• can make sounds for cow, sheep, dog, cat, monkey, elephant, horsie, lion, duckie and snake.
• points to her eyes, nose, ears, hair, teeth, tongue, hand, tummy and tickly toes.
• loves to be outside and wants to run out to the street and up the neighbours' driveways.
• wants to pet every dog or cat she sees. Her idea of petting is pinching those poor souls.
• loves to eat all kinds of fruits. New introductions during the last month were nectarines and lychee.
• wakes up almost every night and wants to sleep with us. Need to do something to break this habit.
• is very friendly and wants to wave and say 'Hi' to anyone who passes by. It is quite funny to take her to the grocery store and watch her wave to strangers.

Most of the people look at Grand Canyon from the rim. It is beautiful - no doubt. But, looking at it from Colorado river, the force that created it, provides an

Here is a list of the bottom 100 movies of all time according to votes on IMDB. I am proud to say that I haven’t seen any of these in the theater and only one (Speed 2: Cruise Control) on TV. Next time when you go to the movies, ask me what to avoid.