It is probably the next best thing to sliced breads. Such a breeze to use them. With them in hand shopping becomes enroute to a la paradise. Really what fun. Just go and buy whatever you want and use the CARD. Such a small piece of plastic gives you so much power. Many do not even realise that they have to PAY for these purchases which is going to appear in the next statement. What is it about these cards that gives you a feeling of illusion. Me I'm still old fashioned that I carry cash around....

Anandchitra

There is a major construction going on near our place closer to the interstate highways. They are building flyovers and more roads leading upto it and looks like a very big project for our little town. Every day when we pass by my husband and I are in awe at the way the work is progressing. There is almost no interruption to regular traffic. They apparently have a Master plan and process in place to work things out. Initially what seemed like total confusion and chaos is now taking the shape of...

Anandchitra

Dont know what it is about this hot drink but need it first thing in the morning to kick start my engine I mean body. I sometimes think its just me. Nowadays not even particular about the type. Growing up I had milk for some years though Boost and Ovaltine and the like existed these were not bought at home. If my grandmother made me milk it was a watered version but we never knew better so that worked. Once we graduated to Coffee, I could only drink decotion coffee. During our early married days...

Anandchitra

This relationship has a universal feel across women of all color, nations and race. Most married women will inevitably remember this relationship and there are women who are this person related to others. This relationship can only occur through a marraige. That brings us to the thought that marraige is between two families and not between two individuals. There is ofcourse a lot of responsiblity for this person. Any which way they act they are under a microscope of observation. Most often the first...

Anandchitra

One of the unforgettable things about Deepavali was the innumerous times my mother and I would walk to the Tailor shop. His standard reply was "not finished yet". Sometimes when we passed his shop on our way, this exchange would take place without words, with only hand signals. Always "not finished yet". Even if we give ahead of time its still the same reply. If we probe further he would come up with the "falls not ready" or need to hem or need to finish the buttons...

Anandchitra

As I get older one of the things I find difficult to explain is the need to be consistent with principles and moral values. In our school we have what is called the parent teacher conference wherein the parent if unlucky will hear all the trouble their kid is in. This year though I did not attend, my other parent friends' called me right after to tell that in general the morals and values of children were not what it used to be. To say I was shocked is putting it mildly. That I cannot repeat the...

Anandchitra

This evening I took my son and his friends to our local county Fair. Its really a small fair with the usual Ferris Wheel, Merry go Rounds, some rides called Hammer and Pirates where a ship goes on a rocking motion. Then there were the games where you can shoot a ballon to win a prize. But ofcourse the greater attraction was the food. Nothing fancy . Just the Funnel cakes and Cotton candy and fries and Onion Rings. Eating cotton candy and walking with the boys I was reminded of our ThiruVizha. Mostly...

Anandchitra

Things, places and people are changing so rapidly its difficult to keep track most of the time. During my last trip to Coimbatore, where my inlaws lived, I happened to visit a few shops and place of businesses. One of the things that struck me most is that NO one really spoke Tamil. Most of the time people addressed you in English and expected a reply in English. When I did choose to speak in tamil, even my relatives, the response would be "ennanga neengal padicha vanga english illa pesama.......ah....!!!!!!!!!"...

Anandchitra

Dear Friends
These days since I am becoming wary of my ever expanding waist line, I am resorting to cooking many items in my oven. Lets start with the famous potato fries. Who among us can say truthfully that we are not tempted by it. So heres my version. I use both regular and Sweet Potato as well. After washing cut in 1/2 inch thichness with skin. Place uniformly on an oven proof plate and spray with oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper and corainder powder and chilli powder if needed. Alternate all...

Anandchitra

When we were growing up each evening as we returned from school our first question used to be "What's for tiffin today?". Tiffin is that word which denotes mainly evening meal, shall I say? Something we prepare lightly but not too light to be called snack. Not too heavy to qualify for a meal like lunch or dinner. Mostly items that go well with afternoon time to hold off till dinner. My mother used to make dosai, or puri (hmmmmm.....) or even pakodas or ribbon pakoda or thenkuzhal....

Anandchitra