Saturday's Critters

A crow preening from a recent showering! The northeast monsoon this year haven’t covered even half the amount it should have (at least in Chennai and adjacent districts) and we’re barely left by a week of hope for the rains as the season ends, and although winter has widespread all over the state, the hope for rain has decline. Though the meteorological dept. has predicted that there could be a formation of low (in Bay of Bengal) in the coming week, its hope of rain is uncertain or should be insufficient.

Due to low pixel mode, I had to sacrifice on the quality of pictures which I only realized after uploading to laptop and I have took many photos without checking it as I keep it always on high mode, something went out of my concern.

Linking this post with SATURDAY CRITTERS

Bougainvillea bloomed in neighborhood

During an evening walk other day I capture these pretty Bougainvillea glabra turning the quiet road of this into very pleasant in the presence of these blooms, making way outside the compound of a school campus in neighborhood.  Sometime I used to take my iPhone when going for walk in evening to capture anything interesting I come across and if it is within our area or streets I just keep away this little weight from the pocket. The pictures were bit edited with Photoshop to bring out some rich colors and neat look.

Bougainvillea glabra, the lesser bougainvillea or paperflower, is the most common species of bougainvillea used for bonsai. glabra is heat and drought tolerant and frost sensitive bougainvillea and it needs full sunlight, warm weather and well-drained soil to flower well.

Linking this post for Floral  Friday Foto  

Summer Poem

P.s. The background image was shot around Nemeli in ECR (east coast road) during an evening.  

Greetings for a new beginning

Let us begin with joy, peace and prosperous to prevail and to be grateful to what follow as shadow, as we put forth into a hopefully bright brand New Year, let splash with smiles and colors to paint a beautiful canvas called 2018.  Happy New Year

Home Décor

Christmas is here and I wish you all Merry Christmas and advance Happy New Year. I generally like festivals and the happiness it provides. Decorating a Christmas tree is always fun and for last few years I started to put led lights to keep up the festival spirit and star to bight up the night. It’s my mom decorated the tree really but I enjoyed watching and telling her what to hang where. Here I share few photos from my simple home décor. Hope you all enjoy the holidays. Cheers! 

Collage on lighting and start

 

Mom's simple kolam

Munnar, Travel in Brief

The entire travel (from Nov 26 to Dec 2) has been really cool and comfort and except couple of sunshine moments, the travel was indeed cloudy, misty and rainy. Thanks to the low pressure and cyclone Ockhi, though it created a great destruction in Kanyakumari/Kerala and blocking certain views during my travel, the sun got total holiday from the sky. The weather was very pleasant when we started our journey from home early in morning and was drizzling though hazy just out of the city. We took OMR to reach the highway and being Sunday roads are bare enough and we felt quick transit entirely and reached our destination (Udumalpet) earlier by 4 pm and settled in the room in about an hour.

Man driving cows in drizzling rain near Udumalpet

Following dinner, we also took our breakfast from Hotel Ariya Bhavan (which was really tasteful) on Munnar-Udumalpet Rd before move into the mountains of Munnar, via Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Munnar is about 85km from Udumalpet, though it was slightly drizzling all the way to the town, we passed through heavy mist that blocked the sights of certain places including the chance of closely watching the Anamudi, the highest peak after Himalayas in India. But it wasn’t disappointed me anyway since the mist and rain has put us in sheer delight of watching number of waterfalls from the fresh mountain streams. We reached Munnar by noon, and after buying lunch we moved to the cottage (Tea Drops plantation) we have already booked.

Driving through the mist and rain in Munnar

It was really a wonderful place (nestled 7 km away from Munnar) to stay rest and relax among the coffee and cardamom plantations, and its owner Lijo is a friendly person and helps in any other ways. Except the three steps to get into the cottage, it wasn’t difficult to stay around, though it was an old house renovated into a cottage the owner has made things simply neat and hygiene. But the only thing bothered us was the way leading to the cottage. It was about 200 meters down from the main road with a narrow steep road, which at glance felt impossible to climb down or up, but we made it using our SUV which is quite difficult for any other cars.  They provide Jeep support for those come by car to be parked at their Pvt. Parking, but we took risk as I wouldn’t be comfy at their Jeep.

Night effect in Tea Drops plantation cottage

Staying there we visited various places and sightseeing from the two day and three nights. We missed many views as most viewpoints are covered in mist by the time we check, which is perhaps because of the storm but glad there wasn’t heavy rain alike we travelled to Ramakkalmedu, before climbing down the hills. The highway was like a gushing river and the muddy waters were running down the road/hillside and once rain over, mist over take. We couldn’t see anything at the Ramakkalmedu, popular for high blowing wind and viewpoint and shooting spot. The grass mound here has a huge statue of Kuravan Kurathy, a tribal couple, to mark the Sangam landscape and period.

A pleasant view on mountains and tea slopes of Munnar,  and there's a falls beneath, which u could  see in further post

Actually we planned to stay at Cumbum or Theni before taking the long back journey to home, but took a day rest at my uncle’s woodhouse in the mountains of Kodaikanal. We climbed down via Cumbum valley and took the scenic highway, which is my favourite route that travels along the Western Ghats and reached Kodai Ghats section by evening. I thoroughly enjoyed the travel between Cumbum and Kodai and the mountains covered in clouds and lush green fields, along drizzling weather was awesome feel. I also took a short detour to stop at my favourite spot (which u saw in my previous post) to take some shots, but I was disappointed a bit to see two big banners blocking the view.

Breathtaking view on the beauty of Theni, and mountains covered in clouds

We reached the woodhouse by late evening, but it was a real challenge than the entire trip because the road to woodhouse (in Thandikudi) from the Kodaikanal main road was quite lost in mist. The visibility was very very low and we couldn’t see anything beyond two or three feet and the road was a single lane, though there wasn’t a vehicle opposite finding the road and bends were challenging. I open the Google map and using the GPS I kept telling my cousin the curves ahead and  it was really tremble passing the deep valleys. Our entire stay at the woodhouse was under mist, cold and heavy rain. Even Munnar wasn’t cold enough, but this is first time I experience heavy mist and cold in Thandikudi, where it is rainy season. And we returned home on Saturday  (Dec 2) evening.

Monsoon and Cold

Rain has come down after more than a week of heavy to moderate rainfall, since the beginning of northeast monsoon the weather is awesome cool. Last Thursday (Nov 2) the rain touched its peak of 300mm, creating a feel/fear of flooding, though the suburbs witnessed floodwater due to low-lying landscape, the city recedes to normal in a day or two. Marina Beach, which has been the downpour at core, continued to lie under flood water for and we received water up to our doorstep but glad the water doesn’t enter the home. Though not fully, the corporation had done a bit by cleaning at least around the manholes of stormwater drain to let in water and the ramp we built at the entrance of the house prevented the entry of street water. It was one of the long lasted rains for Chennai after long time and the rains of Monday (Oct 30) and Thursday was heaviest to create temporary pools.

The weather doesn’t turn only cooler but also caught cold in me. It’s giving immense trouble lately and I’m on medicine for a week now, but still couldn’t come out clearly. I haven’t caught cold in last two years and I took pride about it, but the recent change in weather and other causes has put down the grade! Lol... Spitting and snuffling continue to irritate me and kept me away from online activities including blogging. I read no blog all these days and obviously no update too… but was on Facebook for rain updates and news relevant to same. Glad the rain decided to take break which sure will help water recede in the suburbs or aid authorities to take further steps, and really need to say the govt. worked better than previous flooding, but still it wasn’t enough. Wish they make certain all the channels are clear so that it won’t be a disaster monsoon.  No doubt that we need rains, and draining/storing the water properly is quite important. 

Reflection in rainwater: Picture captured through the stagnant water into our courtyard and it was shot when the water receded almost... on  the bottom of the compound wall in left, you could see a line which marks  the water level rises inside.  

Home Ganesh and Reason to Immerse

Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated at home on Friday and as usual parents bought clay idol of Ganesh and after the worship the idol was immersed in a tub of water in the evening. For last 10 years we have been immersing the idol in same way rather dropping at sea or river (what many others do), and the muddy water is later used for watering plants.

Actually the clay idols should be immersed in rivers, where those days there used to be flood in rivers during this time and the running water wash away the sands on river bed to let water flow easily into the sea instead of slow and steady progress which rise up the groundwater table. The dissolving clay idols control the flow of water by blocking and turning it harder and the dry clay idols suck the water at the floor of river help increasing the groundwater level.

The clay idol put into a bucket of water to dissolve

Our ancestors had a reason to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and the practice of dissolving clay idols was beneficial then, but what we dissolve these days only pollute the water bodies. The clay was transformed into various toxic substances to give colors and different shapes to Ganesha. These days all rivers run into the state are dry but the reasonable practice, which supposed to take a break turned into a ritual where the choice of immerse becomes anything and most of the times it was sea or lakes.

For those unaware: Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand festival in India, devoted to Ganesha – a prime deity worshiped by Hindus. It is celebrated as ten-day festival in northern states of India and is usually celebrated privately at home as well in public, and is organised by local youth groups mostly where they collect money from public to form pandals (temporary shelters) to install Ganesha idols. 

Yellow carpet

A post shared by Jeevan Kumar (@jeevan.grp) on Mar 5, 2017 at 8:49am PST

Corporation road 

turns yellow carpet, as spring
 started to flourish.

Though its few ten feet 

a pleasure to walk past since

summer isn’t away 

While dry leaves make way

the cheerful yellow blossom 

draw wither season.

Ps. The haiku is an inspiration from the photo i shot during a evening walk (in wheelchair) last week.

Experience Wind

Image courtesy here

Wind blows
unfolding my memories
stored in the mind folders.
A great enthusiasm
unexplainable spirit
exists, when wind blows
though open doors n windows.

Summer breeze
in late winter isn’t surprising
but vacation mood uplifts along.
A sense of cheerfulness
days of boyhood
the lonesome afternoons
make feel tickle through air.

Smiles for no reason
refreshing springs within
every time wind blows through.
An inspiring feel of any indication
a sweet essence
breathes through the skin
without adding sugar. 

RGB Monday

Being Margazhi, the Tamil month of winter, I couldn’t think any other than the Kolam (a fascinating art that continue to attract people from all walk) to be apt to post under the meme, that capture the essence of colors. Margazhi is considered an auspicious month in Tamil and many religious activities take place during this time and drawing Kolam, a pattern or design that adorn the gateway, gets special attention.

Kolam is a custom followed by every house of Hindus and it’s a daily activity for many, including ours. But during Margazhi the Kolam gets a new least of joy where colors are added to the drawing and everyone try new patterns and brings out their artistic skill through the Kolam. Kolam always been my favourite thing and I enjoy watching different patterns and encourage mom to try new ones and I have also helped her getting patterns from internet. For me, Kolam is apart any belief and its way of exhibiting art and beauty. 

Here’s RGB Monday to keep away your Monday Blues and make feel colourful and yet cheerful! And this Link-in feature invites your colourful photos with the content of RGB – Red, Green, and Blue. Please add your link-in at the comment section (along with your comment)and it will be mentioned at the bottom of the post.

1. Devilish Angel 

Late post on Karthigai Deepam

On the day of Karthigai Deepam (Dec12), the Vardha cyclone blast Chennai and we couldn’t make arrangement of lamps as planned before. And I was looking forward to this day to make photos out of lights, but the cyclone ruined it well and we shifted to the upstairs to keep away difficulty. And for those unknown about Karithigai Deepam, it is a south Indian Hindu festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month Karthigai (that falls between Nov-Dec) and it is also called as festival of lights alike Diwali.

Thought we haven’t celebrated, it wasn’t meant that we didn’t lit lamps. I think almost houses in Chennai and suburbs could have lit a lamp or candle on that day (and days further) to keep away the darkness of night in the absence of electric power. Despite have no power for couple of days, the oil lit lamps have burnt lot, and we made a small arrangement of clay lamps at the doorstep marking the festival at the next day. Karthigai Deepam is lit for 3 days at homes and lighting the oil lamps are considered as auspicious symbols and believed to dive off evil forces and let in prosperity and joy. But for me it’s quite photogenic and joy of beauty in light and lamps form.

Btw. Wish you all very Happy New Year, once again! Hope the year ahead is best for all.

Cheers

Chennai turns Chill

It’s supposed to be a downpour season in Chennai, of course across the state of Tamil Nadu, due to northeast monsoon, but what’s happening was cool enough. For more than a week the weather feels unusually cold (even cooler than Bangalore), and in place of rain, the winter took advance, and when we were thinking that rains have concluded the tidings report of rain in few days since the low pressure in ocean turned cyclone "Nada". Even at this time of mid noon the blowing wind was cool enough to make feel goose bump and reminding the vacation times in Ooty and Kodaikanal.

Though the weather was cool enough, I sense dryness during the nights and my throat get intensely dry by the time of dawn and I was forced to wake up and take some glass of water. Being a type 2 diabetes, dry throat and water loss is a common thing, but these days it has been intense and mildly interrupts the breathing. Though it sounds unlike a serious problem, the unusualness makes me feel difference and I was glad that something disturbing me mental let me go off for last few days… and i hope it disappears soon.

Still I feeling wonder about the weather and the much anticipated northeast monsoon (since the widespread southwest monsoon failed to live up to) seems to be unfair this year, unlike the torrential rains that stroke Chennai and Cuddalore at this time last year and created a historic flood. First it was predicted to be an average rainfall this year and later it was announced to be less than normal and now it becomes obvious there could be minimum rainfall with the arrival of low pressed.

The year has almost come to end and there wasn’t even minimum rainfall to feel happy.  Even though abundant rain may cause problem, apparently we could not live without it and a small kind of suffering couldn’t be avoided sustaining for a year. Right now I am enjoying the weather that seems to be nostalgic i.e. after long time I sense refreshing through the weather of Chennai. Even at the time of torrential rains (the unforgettable Dec.1) it wasn’t cool enough… if you are in Chennai don’t miss to exit whether you in office or home, just chill outside the door. 

Preventive Action

The rains are on the way to Chennai with monsoon supposed to pick up in few days; the work on prevention of rainwater to flood has been going on for last two days at our house. Glad the owners of our row houses decided, at last, to take preventing measures to keep away the rainwater entering the houses has made us all breathe easy and also drops our  plan of shifting house. We have informed our landlord that we’re shifting house this month end and were also almost confirmed a house in the same street, but for some unknown reason  they denied renting their home and we were looking some other ones. At the same time the tenant of the other house in the row urged their house owner (who connected with other two) to make certain the rainwater doesn’t flood the homes and work started within a week of discussion made hold our plan.

People know that last year’s monsoon turned out to be a disaster and we were not ready to take risk by believing it won’t rain that much… although it isn’t certain of any kind, precaution has been the only way. We were disappointed with the landlord of ours when they haven’t take a step in preventing the food even after the torrential rains stopped and moreover haven’t take a look into the home to examine the damages. So we had no hope on them making arrangement for preventing water, but thanks to our next-door tenant and because of his pressure they come together for a solution. And as an initial step they are building a ramp in front of the house to block road water entering the premises and reconstructed a wall that was damaged. The drainage system is also supposed to rise and talk with corporation people has been put forward. 

It seems like I could not come out of the house for next few days until the work completes. Just a  day left for Deepavali, the festival of lights, it looks like the celebration is restrain within our premises and I think I’m going to miss going out in nights during the Diwali to watch fireworks ignited in the neighborhood. Though it gives me slight disappointment, I understand the importance of the preventive action which is indeed significant than any other. I really couldn’t believe things happening on our favor, because the landlord side wasn’t bit hopeful towards us to continue our stay at this house that’s comfort at many ways. The flood water (during rainy season) has been the only trouble for us at this house, and if it was solved there isn’t a problem to sustain though there are some which is adjustable. 

My festival greetings to all those celebrate Deepavali. 

It’s Summer

Sunset @ Muttukadu backwaters

Summer brings a sigh of relief
with schools enclosed for vacation
students chose to chase their passion
like gushing water in search of roots.

While summer curse to scorch
the compassion of sea breeze bless,
blissful moments to surpass
with flock of birds flag off to home.

Summer brings up the memories
that neither forgotten nor went down
with multiple layers adding on latterly
the calm afternoon winds up the dust.

Summer breaks the age barrier
where everyone likes to have ice creams,
fruit juices and tender coconuts
cool down our entire system.

Like every season that has an essence
summer delivers radiant sunshine,
where shoot, unripe fruits and flowers
regenerate under the natural hood sun. 

Though summer being a dry season
there isn't scarce for happiness,
and when the back itches for scratch
the urge for mountain's dew become firm.

A visit to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

I visited the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, about 80km from Chennai, on Friday. And this was the first outing with my grandmother after grandfather passed away in December. I have been to Vedanthangal more than couple of times but only this time I find (or went on seeing) a huge arrival of birds, and most of them were Painted Stork and Little Cormorants followed by moderate numbers of Grey pelican, Back-headed ibis, Little and Great egrets and Spoonbill.

A scenic  view across the bird sanctuary,  shot by my brother from the  watch tower

Vedanthangal is the oldest lake bird sanctuary in the country and the steps to develop it into a bird sanctuary has started as early as 1798 when the British government realized the ornithological importance of the region. The small lakes dotted this area acts as feeding grounds for the birds, so it was attracted by variety of birds. Vedanthangal, meaning hamlet of the hunter, got its name from the act of hunting of birds by the local landlord in the early 18^th century.

Painted Storks on a withered bamboo shrub

Though the Vedanthangal Lake was declared as bird sanctuary in 1972, it has a unique history where the local populace provide protection to the sanctuary for centuries. The locals realized that the birds dropping falling into the lake create an effect (liquid guano), and when the water is used to irrigate crop fields it yield greatly and saves the fertilizers cost.  And due this the locals protect the sanctuary and thus it attracts around 40,000 birds every season, with an area of only 30 ha.

Proving that, the other side of the lake (pic above) was flourished in a golden/green meadow of paddy field! While being fascinated by the birds that decorate the number of trees stood inside the lake, the vast paddy fields on the opposite confront its scenic beauty upon growing sunset was stunning. The paddy fields with little/great egrets foraging is always a beautiful sight and one could not miss such views during a visit to Vedanthangal.

Painted storks, juveniles, standing on their nests

We had been to Vedanthangal in the evening unlike my previous visits in afternoon; I was amazed at the number of birds. But when the evening started to immerse, as sun continue to keep down its effect, many flock of birds resume to the lake after foraging in surrounding lakes. When we arrived the noise of birds weren’t louder unlike it gets darker and it seems it’s the nesting season for Painted Storks, as we saw many juvenile birds of same standing all-over the nests.

A  group of spot-billed pelicans, little cormorants and  egrets occupies the trees

Birds migrate to Vedanthangal mostly in winter season (between October-March), but this time due to the torrential rains in December there’s enough water in the lake for the birds to extend their stay. Right now, it is estimated to be about 15,000 birds at the sanctuary. Apart the plenty of painted storks, little cormorants and grey pelicans, I tried to observe variety of birds but was amused to find spoonbills, openbills, a grebes and night heron, only at home when checking the photos!

The watch tower that used to have a telescope, but it seems to be miss this time. The neat pavement along  the lake.

Although we brought a binocular, it was little painful to watch through the pair of lenses but I loved the close view somehow. Vedanthangal has a pretty neat and flat pavement along the lake bank allowed me covering the entire stretch in my wheelchair. There are couple of watch towers and view points along the footpath to observe birds and I find more interesting shooting birds this time.  At the end of day, we were left with a magnificent sunset with flock of birds flew in foreground.

I took number of photos and it’s impossible to post all at a time… so decided to make many posts out of it and more details on birds. 

Linking this post with SATURDAY CRITTERS

My new activity and rise in temperature

Summer hasn’t existed quite yet, but the temperature has risen to the warmth of mid-summer season. Yesterday has been the worst day with maximum temperature (about 37°C in Chennai) of the month, we experienced a sleepless night with sudden inoperative of air con. I wasn’t in need of AC until couple of weeks back but the situation is too bad for this early stage of summer. Even with two fans at swirl we couldn’t tolerate the muggy inside the room and with all windows closed, due to mosquito menace, it feels unaired. Glad the AC service man attended us in morning, made sure the machine works properly gives a sigh of relief and hope of good sleep tonight.

I am going through some inexpressive frustration in life dealing with relationships and inability to change certain things. I was perplex with things happening around me and relationship with others make me feel disdain, as if things are pursued with an intention. I could somehow guess whether it is good or bad temper looking into their faces esp. the eyes convey so much, but I continue to act like nothing happening because it is not easy to lose a relationship although they deny or act like approving.  While things being like that I find interest on something to keep me busy and away from laptop and frustration sometime.

I am involved in craftwork for last few days on my own interest and hooked to do things with Popsicle sticks. Right now I execute a sort of farm house on my own planning and designing. Though I have begun with a simple home, I planned to do interesting things of my favourite in coming days rather going behind regular items. My grandmother was helping me last few days, cutting Popsicle sticks in whatever shapes I needed, before she go back to her home. After grandfather’s demise on December 31^st, she didn’t move out of her home for last two months due to some rituals and only last week she came home to stay with us for few days. Glad she is doing well now and come out of the grief of grandfather and started to practice with stride. In her absence I feel like broken hand as I have to ask mom or dad to cut Popsicle stick to build my house. My grandmother being skilful in craftwork (remember her rework on this) doesn’t need a mention about her aid and it only enhances my interest. I want to complete the house before she visits me next week and hope she guides me. 

Summer Bizarre

The summer breeze began to blow
amid the hot weather; I cherish
some indescribable pleasure
while I lay back and take comfort.

Though the back drench in sweat
some sweet memories wipe me behind
and to be upfront, the silent afternoon
quietly unfold things that enticed me.

Recline on the powered wheelchair
I feel like floating in the air
without a runway to take off
the wind uplifts me despite the ability.

The bizarre sunshine in high degree
advanced the season of summer
and the summer vacations beckon
to become an everlasting energy. 

RGB Monday

Mom’s colorful Pongal Kolam (included red, green and blue) drawn for the harvesting festival – Pongal! Kolam or Rangoli is a pattern drawn (in different forms) in front of the houses, which is a traditional custom followed by the people of India esp. the Kolam is a cultural identity of Tamil people and drawing colorful Kolam in front of the home is considered as auspicious and a sign of welcome during the festival seasons and events. 

Flood relief or payment to vote?

Why should everyone get flood relief amount when really haven’t affected?  Life get affected during the season of rain is normal, though the past season had been terrific and almost everyone undergone an experience on first, but there are certain areas and people where the affect has been least and at some places there was only power cut and was back to normal in 2-3 days. Are they (the govt.) conducting survey on really who are affected? I think two third of the relief amount goes to unaffected and those experienced trouble are still in need. There are places on the bank of rivers, canals and lakes lost away nearly everything and how come this minimum amount of Rs.5000-10,000 is enough to bring back their lives to normal? Govt. should cut off giving relief even to people staying above two stories with no record of flood in their area or home and the amount should be added to those severely affected.

Though we are one of the affected houses, experienced flood or water entered the home, we haven’t received the relief amount yet when many went through plain power outages used the opportunity and acquired the money. Not that I am envy or against their attitude of getting money when really haven’t affected, and what affected us is nothing much compared to those living in low lying areas and on the bank of rivers. When people make amount like this, the true cause of relief becomes incomplete and those affected continue to wade through post disaster and distress. The govt. and officers in charge should understand who really needs relief and how prior it should be. I just wonder what’s in the mind of government and although it’s obvious that the relief was given in mind of upcoming assemble election; this is how people are measured even at the critical situation like this?