Almost like being there

Our friend Tom had just returned from a 10-day trip to India and, as usual, had taken lots of photographs. We wanted to see them and hear the story, so naturally, the theme for dinner, arranged between Patricia and Wendy, was Indian food, and we made it a day.

We arrived around two with bags full of meal ingredients and condiments for Indian cooking and a special joint-effort-home-brewed Plum Wine, which we already knew was divine.

I do the chopping, (with my special apron provided by Wendy),

With everything out on the counter, the cooking could begin.

and Patricia and Wendy put it all together and looked after the pots.

After a few hours, it was time to enjoy a great Indian dinner on a table set with beautiful embroidered Indian place-mats and a runner hot off the plane from India. Dinner was Poppadoms with 3 different condiments, red lentil Dal, Channa and Indian spiced Potatoes and Cauliflower served with our very own Plum Wine.

Then we got to spend the next 3 hours viewing some of Tom's pictures with narrative from his trip to India.
Another great evening was had by all.

Fun day

We invited Aariel and Gavin over to visit us at our present home to have some fun.

After a lunch of homemade Indian food, some left over from our dinner evening with Wendy and Tom last night, we went for a walk, but first Aariel wanted to try out the high wire.

Mother still holds her hand for balance.

While I'm trying to explain to Gavin how to stand on the rope without success.

It was time for a short walk on somewhat level ground.

At first, we tried the easy way.

Guess who wanted to work by himself? A metaphor for life?

Oma to the rescue - another metaphor?

After they left, it was time for us to play, and this is what showed up.

Patricia nailed me hands down,

even though I was planning every move.

As the evening wore on, I got more confident, and suggested Patricia stand in front of the dart board, but that didn't happened.

Almost a bulls eye

Most of mine stayed on the board.

Fun was had by all, or at least we like to think so.  All in all a great start to the year and a fun afternoon with our kids.

Social life

Sometimes, our social life really takes off, and it is very unpredictable. Like last week, we had dinner at Wendy and Tom's. Tom is giving a lecture in Germany in September and wanted to know what I still remember about the old country.  I think I wasn't much help, but the dinner was great.

Dinner outdoors under the lanterns

Then there was, on short notice, a BBQ at Corina, Chris and Kaia's place; very pleasant and we got to see Maria, Gerd and Michael.

I think we all had plenty to eat.

I also had a chance to check out Chris's newest addition to his property.  He made about ten vegetable beds; but hold on, its Chris, no half- hearted effort.  They are solid steal frames. They'll still be here after the great Southern California earthquake, and we will get our veggies from them.

Can you believe it: steal veggie boxes

And then there was, of course, Henry, providing the entertainment.

Henry looks so cute

Taking pictures of the picture takers

Last night we had a great time at the Photographers' Reception at the Del Mar Fair (Diego County Fair) where we could see Patricia's and Tom's pictures displayed.
To top it all off, both got awards: Patricia got 2 Honorable Mention for her beautiful photos, and Tom got first price with his stunning picture of a beetle.
Here are the happy photographers.

Patricia with her 'Grevillea with Raindrops' (Australia)

'Grevillea with Raindrops'

Here is a quick video on how some of the judging is done.  After the experts
have their say, the viewers put a piece of paper on the picture they like, and those are then counted.

'

Patricia showing her 'Forest of Fangorn' taken in Australia.

'Forest of Fangorn'

Here's Tom, the first price winner in his category.

Tom with his First Place prize.