Orange Biriyani

Wednesday, August 08, 2007



In July, my dear friend Taina finally married long time boyfriend Shamus. The wedding promised to be great fun, but a squalling Rohan forced us to make an early exit. Rohan is on the whole fussier than his sister, but he makes up for it with enormous smiles from time to time. Kiara adores him, and asks every day if she can stay home with baby brother instead of going to camp. My invariable answer is "no", because I have returned to moderating my blog for the Times, and between that, Rohan, cooking, cleaning, errands and attempting with little success to study, I have enough to do.
Today, however, she's home because we've been having thunderstorms, which make it hard for me to drop her off at camp - I have to juggle, her, her lunch box, her backpack, Rohan and an umbrella. Also, she doesn't go swimming on rain days, and swimming lessons are the best thing about camp.
Kiara had a "talent show" at camp - and I use the word "talent" loosely. It was a disorganized mess, and an extraordinary number of children and counsellors appear not to be able to carry a tune. Makes me nostalgic for the performances at Sacred Hearts, grim nuns and all. Kiara's talent show was in a room with no air conditioning in close to 100 degree heat, and I was worried for Rohan's well being. Next summer, I am considering spending the school holiday in India rather than putting the kids in camp and daycare.
Ranjit is having a very busy summer at work - long days and scorching hot walks to and from the station.
We are considering moving house next year, but the more we look at various options, the more we appreciate what a lovely situation we have here in South Orange. Our home may be - well - snug, but it's wonderfully located and we have the best neighbors in the world.