Chills and Thrills

Today was cold. Even those wrapped in shawls and cardigans complained of the sudden drop in the morning temperature. It was the kind of silent, windless chill that comes with wetness – only that it did not rain. When Srichand Arora, who had switched from shorts to track-pants, observed that we desperately need “something warm” to put down our throats (implying tea or coffee) in this weather, Shekhawat jumped at the idea. He instantly offered to treat everyone to a quick shot of whiskey at home… and then, perhaps, resume exercises in the Garden!
But there was Monthi Serrao today to warm the cockles of our heart, having just returned from a week-long vacation in Sri Lanka. She had brought along dark, rum-flavoured cookies for us (lead pic), all the while insisting for the benefit of vegetarians that they were “egg-less” and hence, safe. (Why, did anyone imagine cookies to have a life of their own?) Little did Monthi realize that she was setting a hat trick for us – this being the third morning in a row that we were being treated to eats. What a way to begin the year!
Meanwhile, the Sports Day plans have been revived with the added promise of a trip to Alibaug. Having been twice frustrated in the past, the enthusiasm of those who had initiated the Borivali plans has died down (see post of December 14, 2012). But many like Santosh Tyagi were mighty thrilled at the prospect of tug-of-war, gulli-danda etc., identifying infirm ladies to play nurse and the prizes put up.
The problem however, lies elsewhere. Yesterday, Shekhawat announced January 12 for Borivali and January 26 for Alibaug. Today, he shifted Alibaug to the first Saturday of February, following objections from some people on having two outings in one month (bottom pic). But then, January 12 also seems unlikely because, according to Nafisa Sayyad, between January 3 and 20, the Muslim members are supposed to be in mourning. Then there is Mumtaz Jahan who has requested postponement beyond January 22 because her political boss, Sharad Pawar is coming to town... At this rate, we won’t reach anywhere.
Harish Wadhwa:
* I liked the natural lead pic of Bhaswati-ji laafing away. Superb pic. "Sab cookie khane ke liye ruke hain..." And Arora-ji seems to be taking permission to grab a fourth one. I noticed Bose Babu also could not resist the temptation of grabbing extra (rather numerous) helpings. "Kya karen, control hee nahin honda-ji"
* Why are all the people in the second pic sulking?
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Enjoyed third consecutive day of light refreshment, thanks to Monthi-ji.
* Outings and the Sports Day are beyond our control. It is said that there are three things in life which are real: God, human nature and laughter. The first two are beyond our comprehension. So we must do what we can with the third.