Cute lil Squirrel

A squirrel shrilling from the backyard in the morning, reminds me it’s Saturday. I’m still wondering what’s the connection between Saturday and squirrels, since childhood I hear to squirrels shrill mostly in the Saturday mornings. Usually it takes me back in memories about certain moments connected with squirrels and Saturday, but this time it remind me the little squirrel I found in the backyard of my uncle’s woodhouse, in the Kodai hills, aka Thandikudi. The woodhouse has a wonderful balcony at the rear open to the woods and vegetation, where I bird watch when I was there, I also find squirrels on the tree. Last time I found a little squirrel which seems to be residing on the jackfruit tree because rather jerking it doesn’t move anywhere or know how to climb down. While busy with other activates, I forget to check the squirrel other day whether it still perched over, but he was a cute little one where I found him even sleep on the branches and quick respond to any sound as a sign of alert. I found two more squirrels there and will share those photos in another post. 

 

Linking this post with SATURDAY CRITTERS

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.  

Sunday Photos: Fun with sparkler

Sparkler is a popular firework and even those don’t burst crackers would like to hold sparkler which is less dangerous and harm to environment. From kids to old sparklers bring smile and merry during the occasion of Deepavali, and it’s the only firework that I could light. Every year I like creating some images using the firework mode in the camera by letting someone move the burning sparkler in random, as well certain directions to get interesting designs. Usually my father used to help me on the fun task by making different moves on holding the sparkler to let me capture the images. Following are few designs we created together, though he isn’t much interested in what I shoot he was cheerful to execute these for me to exhibit. It gave me different perspectives and I have note it down beneath each image. 

Lighting Diya or traditional clay/oil lamp that lit during diwali

Signature in sparkler 

Tennis Ball

Mersal (மெர்சல்) a Tamil film title

Smiley emotion 

Finally its me hehe

Deepavali 2017 (remarks)

Deepavali passed off pretty well last week and I had wonderful time celebrating and going out watch the dazzling fireworks displays from the neighbourhood. I wasn’t doing much anything these days but too lazy or not interested to post or write something while I was in festival mood and relaxed being. Though the day wasn’t great or differs from a regular Sunday, that begin with watching television and having curry kulambu for breakfast, the evening turned wonderful with lighting fireworks and going to beach to watch the aerial fireworks light up from the neighbourhood. I took many photos/videos on the fireworks display either at ground or sky; it was fun shooting from three different cameras – iPhonse SE, Canon powershot and Gopro hero 5. More photos to come soon and do check the video at end of the post.

Multi color fountain

Unlike earlier people don’t look or feel festival and even greeting each other has come down, but I shouldn’t wonder really about it as confronting smile had dropped from day-to-day life. But I was more cheerful cherishing my old memories and I couldn’t prevent happiness popping up and the sound of crackers makes feel festive. Compare to previous years, bursting of fireworks are less this year but there was high smoke on Deepavali evening/night. The high humidity in air and along with mild fog the firework smoke sustained into the ambience without gaps to escape. But it turned normal next day.

Red and Green fountains aka flower pots

I really amazed at the level of noise reduced this year and the interest on firework drop. The people say price raise, GST and demonetisation, but this isn’t matter really and from my observation, the firework price was bit less comparing last year. Moreover the sudden environmentalists has created a irk feeling and people doesn’t want to be pointed out guilty or whatever they say, its better leave alone those unwanted to burst. I’m sure in future bursting fireworks will be reduced and children who aren’t interested in firework shouldn’t be forced and it will help in transformation. The environmentalists should continue to voice against pollution instead popping head on Diwali alone. Fireworks do not rule us all the days and it highlights what really hides within and unlike crackers it destroys quiet.

More  to come soon.

Festival of Lights and Fireworks

Deepavali, aka Diwali is just two days away (Oct 18) and it feels exciting. Deepavali (Festival of Lights) always been my favourite festival and I always look forward for this day, and fireworks is the main reason for me to feel alike. I have grown up bursting fireworks and I really enjoy watching the dazzling light and colours coming out of the fireworks and the sounds that create a joy mood. I wasn’t a fan of loud crackers and I have stopped buying those (burst in the ground) long back, but still the sounds come from the neighbourhood during Diwali resonates joy. Glad I had a wonderful childhood and memories of Deepavali, a time where I felt cheerful and continue to be so with memories to cherish.

Though the only firework I could lit being sparkles, I used to buy certain fireworks to (let someone) light up to enjoy the glowing spectacle. While residing in apartment (from 2006-2013) the celebration touched beyond fireworks, where we shared the festival spirit with neighbours who share sweets and snacks (of different kinds) with each other. Dressed in new attires, it’s wonderful to watch and receive greeting from friendly residents.  And in evening/night the kids gather in front of the apartment and make a dazzling show of fireworks, and I would be out watching their activities before going to my great aunt’s house in the suburb to light our fireworks and watch others aerial outs. I really miss all the things now, but still the festival light continues to glow and engross.

I could understand the opposition rising against bursting firework and the Supreme Court has banned selling fireworks at some places including the nation capital Delhi, where it created huge air pollution during last Diwali. Though it wasn’t the only reason for a city that tops the chart in pollution normally, fireworks added light to the glowing issue. Whatever they say, it’s not easy to erase the thought of Deepavali without fireworks, though we have no trace from when fireworks included in celebration, for kids growing up bursting fireworks is least possible to give up. I don’t think those stopped busting fireworks (or ever done with it) are conscious about nature and environment.  Its sheer delight of gadgets, internet and television that keeps away people from fireworks, though it may sound good, but when it applies to all festivals and events doesn’t sound same.   Diwali is a day in a year unlike these that continue to occupy us in good as well opposite ways.

There are scientific reasons that have been boon and bane supporting those who approve, as well oppose to fireworks. I’m not saying bursting firework is good or it should be completely ban. Firework industry in Tamil Nadu is a huge one and it has been a livelihood for more than 0.8 million people, but it isn’t that we all should buy firework and support their lives. Alternate jobs will sure to be better than making fireworks, which threat lives directly and it would take long time and for that huge change to happen but instead of banning reducing its usage would be better option.  Could we stop the New Year celebrations that open with grand fireworks across the globe or any sports events that loud cry with dazzling fireworks. I think regulating things and rule stronger guidelines will sure control the level of pollution in many ways.

As for now let stop here and celebrate Deepavali and what we need to add is more light and sweetness to the festival that illuminate the country and whoever practice the lighting festival. Pls share anything that adds sweetness with your near and dear ones, and fireworks wasn’t the only thing about Deepavali (or any other festival) that I believe is based on get-together and sharing happiness and bond between family and friends.  Cheers!