Meeting the Lady !

Dear Friends,

I was waiting for Malathy, our Induslady and Jey, her partner in every sense, with much anticipation. This was a first of sorts for me…. First time I got to know anyone so closely Only through net and have asked them to come home and even stay over. All of us were finding that fact rather funny and strange! This might be common among the young ones these days, but at our age, this is quite rare .

Having said that, let me hasten to add that we were all very happy and that’s because…
Well, when the door bell rang and I opened it for Malathy, Jey and the little Kavya, I felt I already know them for ages! Both M & J are very very easy going, friendly and very sweet people. Jey is extremely nice and friendly and mingles very easily. Malathy is extremely sweet and very well mannered. We all talked non-stop and my mother was a silent observer watching over us like it was the latest episode of her SunTV serial!

After the initial rounds, my husband retreated somewhat letting the three of us talk incessantly about IL and our experiences with IL, us moderators and our members. They are both very unassuming and made me feel like I too am a part in creating this network…and all of us know that it is very far from the truth !! Though they have started this Website all on their own steam, finance, imagination and dedication, they do not project that even for a minute and both hold that childish enthusiasm and energy for IL. This is going to take the website very far, I can already visualize it.
Apart from that, they both are a very compatible young couple who seem to be friends first. It was heartening to see Jey looking after Kavya and sharing all parental duties with Malathy. Malathy is a revelation…. she is both traditional and modern in her thinking. I am fascinated to see Kavya wearing ‘pottu’ and anklets ! Malathy is down to earth, level headed and very easy going. At the same time, I got to see sparks of her leadership abilities and intelligence.
All in all, it was a very satisfying experience to get to know them. I am so happy to have met them.

Very unfortunately, neither Vidya (Vmur) nor Sreelatha (slp807) could make it to my place which was a big disappointment to all of us. But as the meet was planned at a very short notice, it was to be expected. Let’s hope for better luck next time.

And last but not least, little Kavya is adorable. She keeps herself occupied with her toys and explorations….already showing signs of much intelligence obviously inherited from her illustrious parents. She hardly cried or kicked up a fuss and Malathy and Jey make a wonderful and caring parents.

When we said our goodbyes the the next day, it felt hard and I knew I was going to miss them!

L, Kamla

Special note about my food: This time round, while cooking, I kept thinking of our Chitvish and all her many many published photographs. So when the food was set on the table, I would sooner or later remember about photographing it for IL and even have ‘stopped’ Jey or Anand from getting to the food..Ha ha ha! Still, was not as successful as Chitvish at photo capturing it at the right moment!

Made a high-tea for them to partake on getting home:
Ragda patties with all the accompaniments
Fresh fruit flan
Coffe and Tea.

Dinner:
Mint Vegetable Pulao
Paneer mutter
Paranthas
Bhendi masala
Cucumber Raita
Plain rice
Cabbage and dhal poriyal (dry veggie)
Ennai Kathirikai (Noone Vankaya/Bhagare Baingan)
Dahi Bondas
Pappads
Seviyan Kheer ( Semiya payasam).....hmm...forgot...Zuchchini dhal...Andhrya style!

Next morning- ‘brunch’
Idli, vada, sambar
Coconut chutney and Onion chutney
Kesari bath

I felt so sad that i missed the golden opportunity of the meet
i cant express my dissapointment.
but i got an opportunity to speak to Induslady and with the few minutes of conversation with her i noticed that she is so sweet, very caring and a lovely human being and the same with Kamla garu.

I wish i will have an opportunity next time to meet them and feel lucky.

Kamla Garu, your menu is mouthwatering,u r another Chitra mam

Dear Kamla
Very lively write-up and amazing spread.
So another Chitvish (rather a duplicate one.. , the motherly figure abroad ?)

Madam.. we are eagerly waiting to see the kodak moments of yours with malathy, jey and kutty kavya.
BTW Sreelatha and Vidya ... looks like you guys missed a golden opportunity.

Regards
Honeybee

Dear Kamla,

I was about to PM you as to how the meet went and 'lo and behold I see such a beautiful write-up and a spread that competes with the flavor of your wonderful words.

You are making me feel guilty all over again for not having made to the meet. Sorry Malathy! and Jey..However you were all in my thoughts. We will surely make it the next time.

Ennai Kathirikkai/ Dahi bondas is my favourite too.. I surely missed it.. booooo hoooo... I will make it for the next meet for sure!

Regards
Vidya

Thank you Honeybee......I am thrilled with the tribute you paid me by comparing to Chitvish...one can only dream of that.

Vidya and Sreelatha......we really missed you...but totally understand..

L, Kamla

Hi Kamla,

Great writeup! And the delicious food pictures have made me totally hungry for my lunch now..

All of you seem to be amazing people. Your capacity to touch and enrich other people's lives is admirable.

I am so glad to be part of such a network...

Thanks for sharing the pix and the lovely moments you all had together.

Regards,
Aarushi

Hi kamla,

Wow, looks like you had an awesome and yummy time together. The spread is indeed superb. Can you please parcel the fresh fruit flan over ( V24, i beat you to it ) .

Kamla, looks like i have to make a trip over to just get indulged by you!!. Too bad i am so far away. The pics are making me drool..... now off to get a papertowel to clean up my key board.

Vandhana

Hi Kamla,

The spread is yummy, the recipes mentioned reminded of "Ask Chitvish Forum - Recipe Index". You seem to be a great host.

I always thought of Kavya as a teenage girl !!!
Ooops

That was a great write up Kamla - it is so wonderful that you were able to meet up with the brains behind IL. And the spread - wow! as another IL mentioned, we will have to name you our resident "chitvish" in the US. Lucky, lucky folks who got to partake in your hospitality.

Hmm.. I may have to plan a trip to NJ, just for this and may be visit my relatives who live along the coast!! Just kidding..