Fruits of Labour

It was a pleasant surprise to us all. Nothing on a large scale ... not a bad start for first timers.

Post Deepavali Makeover

My hair was starting to block my view and I'm prone to colds lately thanks to the difficulty in getting it dried after shower. So after much consideration and a heavy heart ... I sacrificed.

Happy Deepavali!

I woke up this morning to melodious Deepavali songs and greetings that were played over the radio. The lovely smell of incense got me right out of bed.

Everybody got ready for prayers so right after shower I couldn't wait getting into my lovely pink 'Pavadai'. We headed down to the Kaliamman Temple, Grandma wanted to perform the Gowri Fast prayers here.

After sending grandma home we all headed down to Batu Caves. This year's Deepavali is a special one as it falls on the last Saturday of the puratassi month. The last time this occured was 65 years ago!

I payed homage to the Great Hanuman and prayers at the Saniswaran and Venkatachalapathy Temple. The crowd was greater in number for Deepavali and the puratassi prayers.

Everybody honoring the lord were served with traditional banana leaf vegetarian meal. I had a share from Daddy's serving which was good enough for I dozed off in the car. The next thing I knew it was 4 in the afternoon and aunty had her guests.

We spent the night at my uncle Sarvesh's place. We ate delicacies made by his mom and played firecrackers till late into the night.

The next day, we had a small gathering over lunch at my place. Uncle Sarvesh and his mom and dad came over. After lunch we caught up with some of the Deepavali specials on TV.

Deepavali - 1 Day to Go! - Second Half Report

It got busier in the evening with a number of final touch-ups before the big day. We almost forgot the beverages for the guests. It's easier to serve them with packet drinks ... hassle free.

Daddy and aunt gave their cars a good wash. It was a much needed scrub removing bird droppings and accumulated dust thanks to our neighbour who's having his house renovated.

The thing about droppings ... the cars were not parked under any tree and yet there they were. The birds must have had tummy trouble during flight.

It was not just the cars that got a good scrub ...

Right about 11pm the fireworks got started. We could here explosions from a battle field with occasional flashes in the sky. As for us, we didn't go for any artillery, ours was just a pistol.

Here's a shot of it ...

Deepavali - 1 Day to Go! - First Half Report

Just a day to go and suddenly we begin to realize a number of unfinished work. Late last night we got all the cards and decorative items hung up. I was just assisting as it would have been an uphill task for me by myself.

We were overwhelmed with the end display.

If you notice in the background of the picture above, that's my crib! Afternoon naps are taken there. I'm starting to avoid it as I grow for the fear the spring might fail me.

We took this opportunity to give away some old and usable clothes for charity. They have these donation bins located around my neighbourhood. We stocked the boot with lots of stuff to be given away by today as the collection is on Sunday and should reach the needy soon after.

For lunch daddy prepared Poached Mackerel garnished with pan fried onions. It looks like the real thing doesn't it? ... The truth is it ain't no Mackerel, it's Veggie soy fish.

Deepavali - 2 Days to Go!

On special occasions like your birthday or festivals, people tend to get new clothes for the sole reason that it's an indication for you to be and look special. That good feeling is then spread out to whomever you meet in the course of that day.

I've got so much good feelings to spread, I'm all geared up. There's traditional outfit for the morning prayers, T-Shirts and shorts for lazing around the house, a simple dress to entertain walk in guests and pyjamas to get comfy in bed.

The white one you see on the right is what I got for signing up at Gymboree. That's their mascot. On the top left hand corner there's more clothes left folded cause I couldn't fit them all into the picture.

Now this evening dress from the Disney Princess collection is a gift from aunt. I'm not very fond of wearing dresses with a flower on my hair but I'm making an exception for this. It's a long, one piece floral designed cotton and polyester fabric made dress. I'm convinced it would compliment my long legs.

This does seem a little too much cause I'm good for 10 Deepavali's. Children's clothing won't drill a hole through your purse but it's good to be well within your purchasing capacity.

Look at what the fatherly figure will be donning this year ...

Daddy Vader: Satya, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.
Satya: I'll never join you!
Daddy Vader: If you only knew the power of the Dark Side. Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father.
Satya: He told me enough! He told me *you* killed him!
Daddy Vader: No. *I* am your father.
Satya: No. No. That's not true. That's impossible!
Daddy Vader: Search your feelings, you *know* it to be true!
Satya: [anguished] No! No!

Deepavali - 3 Days to Go!

Every household would use the festivity as a reason to spring clean their homes. We're no different cause apart from the daily chores, this one's a massive cleanup inside and outside the house.

Painting, washing, getting rid of old stuff and for those with a garden like what we do ... the lawn needs a good trimming.

The direct translation of my name is "Light of Truth" and daddy's is "Master of them all". His fingers don't just type, they are green too.

The man goes to the extent of making his own compost for the garden. Leave aside flowers and ferns, we are starting to see a mini plantation. So far there's chili, spring onions, Pandan leaves, banana & papaya (no fruits yet) and some indian herbal plant.

It's nice to walk bare feet while you smell the fresh air especially right after it rains.

Deepavali - 4 Days to Go!

As of today, we've officially completed all the baking & frying. Althought we purchased the cookies and the traditional 'Murukku', we prepared our own as grandma is fasting so she wont't take eggs. Most of the cookies sold outside had eggs in the mixture.

The prices of the cookies hovers between RM15 to RM20 for about 40 pieces. Tarts can go up to RM30 for the same quantity. There are varieties to choose from but in the end, it's the taste that matters to your guests.

These are the home made cookies. The best one is in the container on the right, individually wrapped in tissue ... the mouth watering 'Ghee Balls'. Take a bite and let the flour mixed in ghee just melt in your mouth. Tip, don't chew on it, just savour the taste as it melts naturally.

Today, October 13th I turn 27 months. We got a little cake to celebrate the milestone. It's not easy being the cute one around and always getting the attention. I have to look my best but daddy says what steals people's heart is my natural looks .... ;-)

Deepavali - 5 Days to Go!

What's a festival if we don't have fireworks to go with it. With great knowledge comes great responsibility so I won't be seen anywhere within a radius of 50 feet from a firecracker.

Dad shared some horrifying tales of firecracker playing gone wrong. This year not only small quantity, we also settled for the least dangerous ones. They are deadly no matter how small they look, so it's gonna be daddy taking the bull by the horn.

The decorations at the porch is done with new sets of twinkle lights. We decided on a better quality one so it cost a little more and hopefully less blown fuse.

Baking continues with the classic 'Ghee Biscuits' completed today. They've always been a family favourite. The baking took place in the antique Toshiba HGR-200E. From what I've heard, the last of these were rolled out the production line 25 years ago.

It's a family superstition, we always do the serious baking in this old fella.

Deepavali - 6 Days to Go!

The work continues. The curtains are up and daddy being daddy did what all daddies do when their little ones develop a penchant for wall art ... paint over it!

He repainted the whole living area where I had some excellent piece of work showcased. The trickster rushed me into my afternoon nap to get this done.

With the Asian Food Channel now available on Astro, we've been seeing some culinary masterpieces at home. This was suppose to be the innocent 'Athirasam'. An indian delicacy normally associated with Deepavali.

It always comes in the shape of a donut but the chef de cuisine at home cut little biscuits out of the dough. The last I saw in the kitchen was some lightly burned cookie looking thing left for the oil to drain ....

Deepavali - 7 Days to Go!

The time of celebration is here again. The festival of lights ... Deepavali. October 17th when good overcomes evil many will be observing their beliefs and practices to mark this day.

I'm a year older grown with wider perspective of my surroundings. Going to a playgym and starting to dress and eat on my own (occasionally) does give me the power of choice which is why I'm beginning to be selective and making some of the decisions.

The countdown begins to 'Satyavin Athiradi Deepavali' (Satya's Rocking Deepavali) as yet again the whole festivity is centered on me.

We kick started with shopping. Where else but Brickfields and Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang. We've already done ours at both these locations!

City folks often rush for last minute bargain but we rather pay a little more in order to have some peace of mind while we shop much earlier.

They've got all lined up from food items, clothings, jewelry and even these lovely statues of Hindu Gods. Grandpa gave me a Hanuman statue as a present few weeks back. Being an ardent devotee, I can't help admiring him, much as I'd like not to grab any attention by doing so.

He carries the strength of gracefulness yet firm. Something to ponder while I munch on my 'Murukku'.

Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival '09

A long overdue entry. Way back in August we made a weekend trip to the Putrajaya Flower Fest to unwind and enjoy the scenic setup since Daddy and Grandma is into gardening.

The turnout was good and the organizers had proper parking made available for the visitors. The entrance was inviting with lovely orchids.

And a bed of orchids throughout the walkway leading to the exhibition area.

Topped up with more lovely flowers. Amateur and professional photographers had a field day

Here are some fantastic work of art using flowers ...

There was hot air balloon ride for a mere RM10 per person, but by the time we got out of the exhibition area they've stopped it due to the hot afternoon weather.

A number of school's participated in the activities conducted including this pottery making contest. Oh I really wanted to try my hand at it ...

All in it was an excellent day out for the family, we didn't buy any plants to take back with us ... just enjoyed the 'Celebration of Colours'.

This is my garden, I think we have enough to keep us busy.