DRIVING MALADY

Driving skills are indeed a blessing, not only to the driver himself but also to others who use the Freeways / Highways. Apart from the poor maintenance of good roadways resulting in lack of proper sign boards to warn against hazards, unexpected potholes in the middle of the road the indiscipline of the drivers add to our woes. Yes, I am talking about those who seldom put their high beams into low beam and have scant respect for the signal. Fortunately the excellent construction methods in USA, like providing a raised divider between the two sides of traffic prevent the headlight beam from hurting the eyes of driver coming from the opposite direction. Also the number of flyovers in USA make driving a pleasure through the vast expanse of the country. The situation in other developing countries, like India is far from satisfactory. I actually detest driving on Highways after sunset. The commercial vehicle traffic begins late in the evening and last till morning making driving a very dangerous exercise. Whenever I planned a trip between the metros in India (Short journeys between 400 to 600 KMs) I used to start Early morning at 5AM so that by the time I hit the freeway it is daylight and complete my driving by 2PM. This way I could relax for the rest of the day after having my Lunch.

LAUNDROMAT

This Sunday I decided to visit the Laundromat, Princeton, NJ as I had a fortnight’s clothes to be washed. As the weather was so very bright with excellent sun shine, I set off at 8AM. The washing and drying took around an Hour and a half and I just sat there waiting. While I waited my mind started pondering on a curious thought. How it would be if we also can wash our sins periodically and come out clean. Why cant there be a method to erase all our hatred and avarice and become friendly and humble. Perhaps we may find one such device sooner or later and change the way we live and behave.

Mahatma Gandhi

Man for All Seasons
Ambitious within reason
Hard with tender Heart
Atrocities, sure he fought
Truth was his Armour
Many loved his glamour
Austerity was his Attire

Gone were worldly desire
Attack He did with words
Non Violence was his sword
Delighted was He with Freedom
Hardly worried about any stardom
Indeed we badly miss him
For Acrostic Only

Frailty thy name is Woman

How lovely were the times when you were so nice
Fresh as the morning mist and tingling as the Ice
The walks we went through the pine wood forest
Holding your hand , we seldom needed rest
I held you in my arms and looked into your eyes
River of desire I could never fathom in hundred tries
Ever a mystery you remained for me till date
When you left me I could blame no one but Fate

Childhood Bliss

It was so wonderful to just Laugh and play
Not a care in the world, its true I say
Hugs and kisses were all that I got
In return for all my smiles on the trot
With my chubby cheeks and dimple chin
There were none that I could not win
Wish I could always remain that way
As a little Baby and keep my worries away

Chocolate Tour

When I woke up today morning, I was pleasantly surprised by the weather in Plainsboro, NewJersey! Bright sunshine, just enough chill and excellent weather. My Grand daughter insisted that I take her to the Chocolate Factory at Hershey because she wanted "This-much-Chocolate"(Read it as Hands spread wide apart as a measure of quantity!). I was not particularly keen on going to a Chocolate Factory as the idea did not impress me. However the enthusiasm showed by my little friend was so infectious that I agreed and we rented a Toyota Sienna. We were four adults and 2 kids which forced us to rent a van because with 2 children seats in our Honda sedan , the four of us, adults, did try a lot of jigsaw but could not succeed in devising a seating arrangement for all of us. Mind you, out of this I, my daughter and son are 6 footers! though my wife did more than compensate with her demure physique.
The journey till Philadelphia was uneventful. Once we were nearing the city of Hershey the scenery began to change. I was very happy to see the panoramic view of green meadows on both sides of the road with scattered houses that looked like chocolates. Reaching Hershey we were so hungry that we rushed straight to the food court. With the input of calories we began our tour of the factory and other places. It was indeed an excellent place with very hygienic atmosphere and such a variety of chocolates. I indulged in helping myself to a good quantity ignoring the silent but lethal look on my wife’s face.
By the time we finished the tour and got ready for the return journey, which is a good 130 Mile, I and my grand daughter were so tired that we began to sleep. When my son woke us up on reaching the house it was 8PM and God did we have a good time! I think I enjoyed it more than the little one.

GOD'S EARLY GIFT

It was the end of February, 1964 in Madras (Now known as Chennai) and the weather was unusually pleasant! In Madras we had only one season, summer, throughout the year and onset of even slightest cool breeze was most welcome. My mother was not feeling well and went to consult our family physician. The doctor broke the news that my mom was pregnant and the baby could be expected around November. This being the fifth one after three sons and a daughter, my mom was a bit shaken. She had a history of Hypertension and Diabetes and was not eager for another child. Having detected, the monthly rituals of check-up and various tests ensued. Despite medications my mom’s Hypertension kept playing hide and seek and was causing worries to the physician. My father had to do the dual role.
Five months rolled by and during August 1964 the problems began to get worse. My mother’s hypertension steadily remained at 160/95 causing tremendous tension to both my Father and the Physician. Remember in 1964 there were hardly any specialty hospitals or any sophisticated diagnostic facilities like today and things were near primitive and we had to go the Government Maternity Hospital, Egmore for Delivering a baby. We had not made any arrangements for the hospital because it was still very early. On 31st August my mom got so delirious that she had convulsions and we were very scared. The Doctor who checked her up said it was eclamsia or something which is better avoided during pregnancy. This added more fear to our already sinking hearts. We rushed her to the Hospital and she was admitted in ICU. After 3 days of excellent dedicated efforts of those Angels (Yes that is how the Doctors appeared to us) could bring down her BP but decided that she cannot go through 3 more months for delivery in this condition. They suggested to my father that it was imperative to terminate pregnancy to save her life and anyway 30 odd weeks old fetus is not much of a baby! He agreed and the Doctors performed the Operation.
It was September 1964 when the Doctors called my Dad and informed him that the operation was successful and my mother was safe. We all cried with pleasure and rushed to see her. She was alright and had got back some colour in her cheeks and was on the path of recovery. We thanked GOD for his mercy in saving her from near disaster. It is then the Staff Nurse asked my dad, “Don’t you like to see the Baby!, Sir ?”. It almost shook my Dad. He said, “Baby? Which Baby? Is the Baby alive!?”. She smiled and said, “Well, you better wear the surgeon’s clothes and follow me”. We were given face masks, body gown sterilized, and led to a room which contained a small fish tank like contraption, called Incubator and showed us the tiny spec of life lying there in all its glory. It was so small in size that we could hardly make out its features. The nurse said, “You know your girl has broken the record for the earliest pre-born fully developed infant”. Our eyes were filled with tears and we were just looking at her.
It took 2 more months for the baby to come out of incubator and only for feeds the mother was allowed to hold her in her hands with Her own mouth covered in a mask, lest she infected the baby. This Early Gift of God is today settled in USA with her two kids who are in their teens and a happy family. Strange Indeed are the ways of GOD. Dedicated to the Pre-Born kids Month of November.

I wrote this for Self Love Project

What they say---- What it means-----

Politician: We will eradicate Corruption totally.
Meaning: You will never get what you want anyway!
Boss: You have improved quite a Bit John!
Meaning: Earlier your work was S**T
Lover: I love you from the bottom of my Heart
Meaning: There are quite a Few in the slots above, before you
Husband: Darling you look so beautiful Today!
Meaning: I am working from Home today and want my Peace.
Wife: I really do not know what I would have done without you, my Dear
Meaning: Get ready to pay another Credit Card Bill.
Child: Daddy my teacher said your Papa and Mama are the best Parents!
Meaning: She wants your permission to join the school excursion.
Blogging Colleague: Wow!,You are posting like a Marathon.
Meaning: Dude, Its time you stopped. Enough is Enough.
Written in Lighter Vein. Even I fall for flattery!

Betrayal - Short Story

Brenda waited for Robert at the Airport with pulsating heart.

Earlier in the day they had decided to run away from their home to Sanfrancisco

To begin their lovely life together

Robert had gone to bring the cash by selling the jewels Brenda had brought.

After every minute Brenda kept looking at her wristwatch

Yet, it is the time that passed and she had a Flight to catch.

After 5 or 6 hours it dawned on her, the extent of betrayal

Love has cast on her.
For Acrostic Only

Laugh, A Limerick

Light on Humour
And to share
Useful outlet
Good impact
Heart taken care
For Acrostic Only