Happy New Year!

All those who survived last night’s excesses but could not come to the Garden this morning, here’s wishing you a ROLLICKING NEW YEAR – full of joy, good health, abundant wealth and lots of LAUGHTER. May all your troubles vanish and wishes be fulfilled. We hope to meet you next year on this day, same place – a happier person.
All those who have not been able to survive last night's excesses, well... what can we say? May wisdom dawn on you (wherever you are) and better luck next time!
All those who survived the night and made it to the Garden this morning to greet the first rays of the rising sun were in for a major surprise. Piping hot tea was served (left) to beat the extraordinary chill, courtesy Santosh-ji and Sunita-ji. Nothing could have been more welcome. Soon after the exercises, as though on a whim, the ladies ordered tea to mark the first treat of 2011. As always, what is least expected tastes better.
That was not all. From nowhere Sushma Gupta and her husband (left) appeared with a huge chocolate cake to celebrate New Year with us. Again, this was completely unexpected and took everybody by surprise. Just goes to show the sense of fellow-feeling that binds us together and how some
members like to celebrate in a sprit of loving and giving without much fuss. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Gupta.
Indeed, the 22 who turned up today were in for luck. Wrapped in woolies – in reds and purples and yellows and pinks – they had transformed the otherwise deserted Garden into a fairyland of colour. Who’d say many of them were grandfathers and grandmothers at home? The way they frolicked and fooled around without a care in the world would make any kid blush. But that’s what celebrations are for and if morning shows the day, this one holds great promise for a wonderful year ahead.
Shekhawat-ji (left) announced the financials for the Chokhi Dhani trip. The entry fee to this resort has been negotiated for Rs 425 per head and another Rs 200-odd would go for the bus to and fro. Those interested have been asked to give Rs 700 per person. Collections begin on Monday for the trip on January 8 – Saturday.
For more on this, later. Keep reading.