Sunday, December 23, 2018

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, 2018

Hello My Blogging Friends,This is the crazy busy time of the year. Since last week I'm continuously baking. Tomorrow I'll bake the the seasons's last fruit cake. I'm taking a week from blogging. I'll come back again next year.

Monday, December 17, 2018

Yankee Candle Village visit

Leaving Vermont we started driving towards south again. When we started in the morning from Hardwick, it was cold and drizzling. Cold wind was blowing.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Vermont Stay

After our visit to Moss Glenn Falls we decided to go to another fall crossing the historic town Stowe. While driving through Stowe I found the town is very beautiful, and cozy. We didn’t have time in our hand to get down there, though I wanted to do that. It was already evening. My son and I was really tired and restless. I wanted to abandon our plan to visit the next fall. However, my stubborn Mr. Man didn’t want to do that. He continued driving. After reaching the foot of the mountain he realized that , he had to drive another one and half hours. The sun was already started saying goodbye. Then he realized it wound’t be wise to drive on unknown mountain roads in dark. So, after reaching there we made tune around, and headed towards our lodge.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

My first hibachi experience



For few days we were thinking where we could eat out. I was really indecisive. I was reluctant to have Italian, because I didn’t in the mood to have cheese. I didn’t want to have Thai or Chinese food. Indian food was strictly no-go, as we have Indian food every day at home. My husband was not very keen to take me to Japanese restaurant. My first ever sushi eating performance was not mention-worthy. I don’t know why I couldn’t like sushi. I asked my husband, whether we could try other Japanese food . Still he was skeptical to take me to any Japanese restaurant . Lastly I told that I want to try hibachi. 
The experience at Kobi Japan was simply awesome. After finishing other scheduled works when we reached the restaurant it was 2 o’clock in the afternoon. My husband booked table before. When we entered the restaurant, it was almost empty. I started thinking, would the food be good? Actually the reason was different, that was a big day, that was the “Super Bowl” day. So, that was the reason, the restaurants were empty.


Rosemary Chicken Curry



What a day I spent, yesterday! The day was started as usual. I woke up at usual time. I did the morning chores, except cooking, because I had a doctor’s appointment in the morning, and I didn’t want to have strong cooking smell all over me. My plan was to go some shopping after the appointment. I went to doctor , she told me every thing is fine and normal. I was relaxed and on my way towards Target supermarket. At that time the problem started. I found that my car indicating that it had only 80 miles fuel. That was fine, I was not going far. Then a big truck came in front of me, and I missed the signal where I supposed to take right. I thought, no problem, I would go all the way round on my usual route. I was on my way to Target, and in that particular target I never drove by myself. 



Stuffed omelets with baked salmon

When some very unrelated ingredients are available in the refrigerator, and in the pantry, then what to do? What is the easiest to do? The answer will vary from person to person. Somebody will love to go to restaurant, or take a home delivery. Somebody will like order some missing ingredients online. Somebody will like to avail the newest options which are currently available in the market. However, like an old-fashioned person I always love to improvise with whatever are available at home. When the other option are readily available why should I scratch my head to find out something new. I'm the person, who always like to do that. By this way I can cook same thing in different way. I'm not a chef, but I like to make new recipes. Some times it turns out good, some times not so good. Whenever, something turns out good, I always love to share that with you. Here is something like that.

 

Chicken Kasha (curried chicken)

It was a Friday. Mr. Man was leaving for office, and I asked him to come before lunch. There was no reason to come back home from office early. I told him, if he could come back early, he would get a enticing lunch. As soon as I told that, him readily agreed to come back hone early. After he left, I sat down to think, what could I cook. Actually I was not in the mood of cooking. Slowly I went back to kitchen. Standing in front of the kitchen window I was thinking, what on earth happened that I asked him to come for lunch. I raked my finger in my hair for some time. Then chicken kasha came into mind. I pulled back my hair, tied tightly with a clutch, and started my cooking.

Lettuce-turkey wrap

Before going on anything, first I want to give a big thanks to all my blogger friends for their wishes for my son’s speedy recovery. He is feeling a but well. I will share in details on my “Five on Friday”. Till then please enjoy a simple recipe, which is easy to make yet delicious and healthy.



Monday, December 10, 2018

Moss Glenn Falls

We started in the morning from north Conway, and we were driving through the green state Vermont to our next destination, Moss Glenn Falls. The green state is the perfect name of Vermont. As long as we drove we only saw beautiful green pastures, fall colored tree with few evergreens peeking  from the bright fall color.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Driving from Conway to Stowe

After saying goodbye to the little village hotel in north Conway, we headed towards Stowe, Vermont. We drove through the roads of little downtown of north Conway. However, we didn’t have much time in hand to  get down there. On our way, again we crossed White Mountain.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Five on Friday


Hi all my lovely blogger friends,
All of you want to know about the remodeling task. Yes, it is still going on. Now they are working on the walls inside the house. Hopefully they will finish texturing this week. I just want to thank you all my friends. Yours encouraging words are really helping me to going through this tough situation. Hopefully everything will be done in the first week of December. Then I’ll decorate for Christmas. I’m eagerly waiting for that.  Here is the five days of the my week.

Las Tramps hiking


Rocky Ridge loop trail
We wanted to do a family hike, not any strenuous one. I didn’t want to take my little one on any strenuous hike. Ha can’t walk all those trail, he gets tired, he can take his paining legs. After searching I found out Las Tramps Mountain. In Spanish Las Tramps means “The Traps”. Actually till early 20th century, people used to put traps to catch elks, and big cats. Still there are few mountain lion were left, but there is no elks. 

Mount Olympia hiking

In our hiking group, every time one of the members decide the trail of hiking. This time it was Mr. Man’s responsibility to select that. Mr. Man already hiked with his friends on a different trail of Diablo Mountain. Even last month we three hiked on another trail at Diablo Mountain. This time we decided more strenuous hiking. So, Mr. Man found out North Peak trail in Mount Olympia. The hike was going to be really strenuous, rather impossible to us. Eleven miles round trip with 3000 feet elevation was not possible, specially with a seven years old. Still we wanted to give a try.  In the morning of our hiking day, two of our hiking group members messaged that they wouldn’t be able to join us. So, we three, and another friend decide to carry on.
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Visiting Moose Pond

While driving from Verona Island to north Conway we passed a beautiful picturesque lake. To our great disappointment we couldn’t get down from the car. A heavy rain didn’t allow us to do that. So we decided to come back next morning. 


At night when Mr. Man asked me the name of the Lake I told him some different name. He couldn't get any lake of that name on the route. Mr. Man is a champion navigator. He traced back route we came to north Conway and found out that was actually Moose pond.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Staying at Old Field House, north Conway


From Verona Island our next stop was north Conway. Before our trip while we were going through our plans, we found that we didn't book any hotels in north Conway. At that moment Mr. Man hastily booked a small village hotel. We had no idea how it was going to be. Anyway, after our beautiful drive on that rain drenched day, we reached there in dark, and ran inside the little hotel.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Drving through Whit Mountain

While driving through beautiful roads of Maine, Mr. Man told me that our next destination was the scenic rout in White Mountain. I asked how could any place be more beautiful than what we already had seen. However, the beauty was waiting for us on that rain drenched day. 

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Baked potato and mushroom-chicken



I had been just strolling through the isles of grocery market. Suddenly I spotted the sweet potatoes. I heard about sweet potato, I saw it, but I never bought it. When my son was very little I picked up one book from library, where the dinosaurs were eating different kind of sweet potato dishes. I forgot the name of that very book. That was one of his favorite books. Anyway, I grabbed one big sweet potato and bought it. However, after coming home I was muddled. I really had no idea how to cook it. I took the help of Internet. I was at loss, which recipe should I try first. Then I picked up baked sweet potato recipe, which was the easiest one. At last one fine Saturday I baked sweet potato along with mushroom-chicken. The meal turned out tasty indeed. 


Baked potato recipe:
One sweet potato
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil 
Peel the sweet potato. Cut the potato into medium large chunks. Smear salt and pepper. Preheat the oven at 350 degree F.Take a baking tray. Cut aluminum foil according to the size of the tray. Cover the tray with aluminum foil.     
Drizzle little on the foil. Place the pieces on the foil. Drizzle a little oil over it. Bake until the sweet potato is tender.
Mushroom chicken
Two skinless boneless breast halves
Two medium onion
One medium tomato
Two cloves of garlic
One packet of mushroom (at least 10-12 pieces)
One tbsp. soy sauce
One tsp. cumin seed
Salt to taste
Oil
Cut the tomato and onion into big chunks. Peel the garlic cloves. Boil the chicken with onion, tomato, garlic, and salt in 3-4 cups of water until tender. Scoop out the chicken pieces. Keep the broth aside. You can use the broth in future cooking. 
Cut the mushrooms into thick slices. Cut the onion into this slices. Heat one tbsp. of oil in a heavy bottomed pan in medium. Fry mushroom and onion together for few minutes. Add salt, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, covering the pan. Add chicken pieces, and soy sauce into the curry. Give a good stir. Serve hot.
The lentil soups
This is the easiest dish I’ve ever cooked. This dish not only the easiest, but also very helpful. I used Tuvar dal(pigeon peas),Urad dal (Ivory white lentil), moong dal (yellow lentils). This simplest soup turned out utterly delicious on a rainy cold evening.
One fourth cup pigeon peas
One fourth cup white lentil
One fourth cup yellow lentil
Salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Garlic powder
Pressure cook all the lentil together with enough water and salt. If the cooker is small, add water just right to the cooker. Let the cooker cool. Open the cooker check the thickness of the soup. If you need to make it thin, then add sufficient water of your desired consistency. Check the salt. If needed add salt again. Boil the soup. Pour equally into four soup bowl. Drizzle olive oil from the top. The sprinkle garlic powder from top. Serve hot. 



Saturday, November 24, 2018

Thanksgiving dinner, 2018

I'm taking a little break from my travel diary, and sharing my Thanksgiving dinner with all of blogger friends. First I want to thanks to all of my friends, and family for everything I get in life. I specially thanks to my blogger friends for the supports and love they always show. I'm very thankful to all of you.

Tapioca pudding

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Drive from Verona to north Conway

After a tiring day in Acadia National Park, we couldn’t get up early in the morning. When I opened up my eyes, I saw dark outside. I thought I woke up early. Actually, the sky was dark with gray cloud, and the rain was pelting on the skylight of the roof. The day before it was hot and sunny. We were talking about the heat, now it was dark, gloomy, and cold. 

Friday, November 16, 2018

East West farm experience

After driving for four hours from Portsmouth we reached East-West farm in Verona Island, Maine which we booked through Airbnb. First we lost the road, and reached somewhere else. Then after contacting with them, we found that we drove two signals ahead. Anyway, after driving through the narrow village roads with lush green we reached the farmhouse. The sun was about to set. Before setting down on the West it was radiation bright crimson colored rays, making difficult to look. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Bass Harbor lighthouse, Maine

After having a hearty meal in restaurant we decided to visit Bass Harbor lighthouse before  going back to the farm house where we stayed for two days. We were already tired and junior became very cranky. Actually we decided to visit the lighthouse for him only. When I told our plan, he stopped whining.

 

Monday, November 12, 2018

Route 66 resturant

In my previous post I wrote that we found out a very unusual place. The place was inside a small alley. I saw from across the street that a model of a car that seemed to be emerging by the borealis the wall on the top of a door. First thing came in my mind was museum. I wanted to visit there. Then I saw the word, “Restaurant.” We couldn’t figured out whether it was restaurant or museum. I sent Mr. Man to enquire. He went inside , and came out within second, and told me that was a museum, and he had no will to visit. But I was skeptical. I wanted to go inside again. 
Wow! What I saw inside really looked like a museum, but it was a restaurant. A real restaurant, where people were eating delicious dishes. 

Friday, November 9, 2018

Visit to Bar Harbor

The clock was ticking twelve in the middle of the day, and we were in the middle of Acadia Forest. I was not that much hungry, as I was still very much engrossed with the fall color, and beauty of the forest. However, skipping lunch is not good for health. So we decided to have lunch at Bar Harbor.

Searching for restaurant

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Visit to Acadia National Park

The night before somehow, I couldn’t sleep. I supposed to get up early in the morning. To avoid crowd inside the park ,our plan was to start early. Anyway, we tried to start as soon as possible.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Driving from Portsmouth to Verona Island

After driving around Portsmouth we reached our hotel,Exeter Inn, in Exeter, near Philip Exeter academy. That old building from outside was exotic, but the rooms were extremely small. Anyway, it was fine for one night, though we couldn’t sleep.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Visit to USS Albacore Museum

We wanted to go to Islands of Shoals, but the when we reached the spot according to the direction, we couldn’t find anything. Then we found that the ferry to Island of Shoals was closed down. 

Portsmouth Downtown

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Visit to Portsmouth


After a failed tour in Boston Downtown ,we had a good sleep at that night. Next morning we were all fresh and ready for our tour to Portsmouth. Actually, our main goal was to see the fall foliage is this trip. So we chose the first week of October. According to prediction, it was the best time of this year for foliage. However, most of the trees were green. That was a little disappointment. Anyway, the East coast is always beautiful. It is specially beautiful to me as I live in west coast . Coming from a barren land, the vibrant green covered part of the country always attracts me. 

Monday, October 22, 2018

Failed Boston Tour


This is the first time experience for me a failed tour after a month long plan. Since July we had been thinking of making a fall foliage tour during the first week of August. Though we didn’t get to Boston for seeing fall color, but the city tour was definitely in the plan. At least I was excited for a city tour. Mr. Man had already been in Boston. But it was about the first time for my son and mine.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Fall Foliage Tour

You’ve been thinking that why I was absent from blogsphere for long. I went on long trip. Before going I couldn’t manage to post about that. Now I’m back home, and I’m going to write about that. Past few year we had thought of making a road trip during the onset of fall on East Coast.  Living in California we hardly have any expedient of vibrant fall color. We get a negligible amount experience of fall color compares to the miles after miles fall color on the other side of the country. Every year I wish to go, but somehow we couldn’t manage to do that.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Failed Hiking in Dipsea trail

The lush green mountains of Main County always attract me. So, when we decided to go on a hiking, I first searched for trails in Main County. On the top of that, Mr. Man didn’t want to walk on any bare mountain trail on a hot day. When I searched for trails in Main County, Dipsea trail came in first. The pictures captivated my such a way I couldn’t imagine of searching any other trail. 

Beautiful Marin County 

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Few hours at Premium Plaza at Hong Kong

Walking around for twelve hour inside an airport is not an exciting thing to do. It is boring and difficult to spend the whole time. This happens to us almost every-time when we back from India travel to the USA. This time while coming back we had a twelve hour lay back at Hong Kong Airport.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Tintin shoppe

We were done for the day and walking haggardly to the hotel through the by-lanes of Chinatown in Singapore. "Thundering typhoon!" "Blistering barnacles!". Yes, amid small shops selling Chinese items I saw shop bearing name “Tintin."





Friday, September 21, 2018

Trip to Singapore

Visiting India every summer is a tradition of our family. Flying over Singapore is also obvious. However, not visiting Singapore properly is not right thing to do. Yes, we didn’t visit Singapore in all those years. So, it was in my bucket list to take a tour to Singapore. It was a two-day visit. We thought about doing the city tour one day, and visit Santosa Island next day.

If you want to see the entire Singapore from top you can rise Singapore Flyer

Monday, September 10, 2018

Visit to San Francisco Botanical Garden

Last Sunday Mr. Man had some works in San Francisco, and we decided to go there as family. On a Sunday it is next to impossible to get a parking in the city. After driving through the lanes and by lanes of the city, finally we got a parking on the side of the Golden Gate park. Though it was far from his work, but we decided to keep the car there. Anyway, that was beautiful sunny day, appropriate for taking a stroll around the park. However, instead go getting in the park, we decided to visit the Botanical Garden just across the street. My son also took a great interest to visit there. He got a paper from the office to find out some plants inside the garden with the help of the map. He took a huge interest in doing that , and he found almost all the plants listed in the map.

Beautiful Cypress tree is standing tall. It really worth it visit such a beautiful manmade garden, which looks more natural.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Apple Picking at Apple Hill

More than sixty years ago a group of enthusiasts united to create Apple Hill Growers. Still it attracts people all over the world to see the orchards. We made trip their in search of apple picking, which most of the kids enjoy, but I found most of them don’t allow visitors inside.

 

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

I'll start blogging soon

Hi my lovely friends,
For a long time I had been out of blogosphere. I'm trying my best to come back soon. Few things I've to figure out how to continue my blog. I'm grateful to all of you my friends. Your inspirations drive me continue the blog. You'll find new posts very soon.
Till then bye



Monday, June 18, 2018

Taking a break



Hi all my lovely friends,


I didn't post anything since few weeks. I know all of you love me a lot, and your beautiful comments always encourage me to write more. However, currently I'm little overwhelmed , and cannot think of anything. So, I've decided to take a break, and think about my blog, how to revamp it. I also want your suggestions to make it more attractive. I'll some back again in August with more interesting posts. Till then do not forget me.

 XOXO


Sunday, June 3, 2018

Five on Friday

I know Friday had already over long ago, and a brand new week is going to start, but I yet to share my five days of the week. Actually, first I taught of posting Friday night, then again thought of posting Saturday evening. However, all my plans didn't get the success. Saturday was real busy, we had a dinner party at home, and I didn't get time to sit and write. Anyway, now I'm sitting down and sharing with you how my five days were.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Visit to Adventure Park

Few months back my son and his friends went to their wrap up party of their “Odyssey of the mind” competition group. Those who follow me know that my son took party in that competition this year. Though they couldn’t make it, but at least they could secure the fourth position. Anyway, after the competition in March, their coach wanted a wrap up party for the kids , and we all parents agreed with her. 

Monday, May 28, 2018

Chicken Thigh in Soy Sauce and life update

Recently I’ve become very irregular in my blog. I’ve no particular reason for that. Actually, there is one reason. I’ve been thinking for revamping my blog for a long time, but I yet to sit and start that. Anyway, I missed post my “Five on Friday”. Friday I was not feeling well, and on the weekend I was too much preoccupied with two books. I wanted to finish both of the books, and I succeeded in that. Otherwise my week was overall good. In past 10 years, for the first time I went to movie with my girlfriends. 

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Shredded Chicken Curry

Finding out different recipes of chicken everyday is very difficult to me. But, Mr. Man and kiddo need chicken almost everyday. So, the other day while browsing Facebook, I got to see a picture of  shredded chicken dish. Then the idea of cooking shredded chicken came into my mind. I just think about some recipe in mind, and came up with it. 
Here is the recipe:


One pound boneless skinless chicken thigh (you can use breast also)
One medium sized onion
One tsp ginger paste
Two tsp garlic powder (or two-three garlic cloves, smashed)
Five-six cashew nuts
Two tsp poppy seeds
One fourth cup raisins
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
One tsp wine vinegar
One tbsp oil
Salt to taste


In a big pan take the thigh or breast pieces (If you are using chicken breast, then cut into big chunks). Add salt, and garlic powder(or smashed garlic). Bring into boil. Boil until the chicken is done, covering the pan. Let it cool down. 
In the meantime finely chopped the onion. Heat oil in another pan in medium. Add the chopped onion. Fry onion until soft, stirring occasionally. Add ginger paste, and mix well. 
Scoop out the chicken pieces, in a bowl. Save the stalk. Shred the pieces using two fork. (Hold each pieces by inserting one fork into it, and shred with the other.) Add the shredded chicken in the onion. Mix well, cover the pan. Keep the heat in low medium.
In a mixer make a fine paste on cashew, poppy seeds, and raisins, with a little water. Add the paste into the chicken. Mix well. Add the remaining stalk of the boiled chicken,salt, wine vinegar, and cook until the gravy becomes thick. Switch off the stove. Add freshly grated nutmeg. Serve hot with roti (Indian tortilla)or rice. 



Monday, May 21, 2018

Visit to Alden Nursery

We are planning to landscape in our front yard, but we are really confused which plant to buy for the garden. We have been tried to gather knowledge from Internet, but it was a difficult job.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Five on Friday

Monday:
Morning was really relaxed. In the early morning father-son went jogging. The house was empty. I had lots of leftover in the fridge, so I didn't have to cook anything. I decided to finish all the household chores before dropping kiddo off to school. I felt so relaxed that I didn't have any jobs to finish. So, after volunteering in school I went for a long walk. The weather was cloudy yet not cold, and was very pleasant.


Monday, May 14, 2018

A busy Sunday, and a Birthday

It was a busy crazy weekend ever. Saturday was busy as kiddo had swimming in the morning, then he had a birthday party in the afternoon. Then I had a piles of jobs to be finished in the evening. Actually , Sunday was Mr. Man’s birthday. As it was Sunday I decided to celebrate in our traditional way. In weekdays it is not possible to celebrate in an elaborate way other a small cake cutting, and a dinner. 

Two handmade cards, one from me, another from kiddo

Friday, May 11, 2018

Five on Friday

Monday:
Tomorrow is Teacher’s Appreciation Day. I had tons of things to do. I spent the whole weekend reading book. The mystery books always keep me on hold. I cannot do other things until I finish the book. I made the mistake when I started reading “Hickory Dickory Dock” of Agatha Christie Friday night.  When I finished the book Sunday evening then I remembered about the jobs I had to finish. Anyway, after dropping kiddo at school today, I rushed back home, and first job was to clean and mop the garage, as it was going to be my workstation for rest of the day. First I sat to make a decorative box, from cardboard box. It took almost entire morning. My next job was to make Teacher Appreciation door decor.  I didn’t have much supplies to do that, so I decide to write a beautiful quote on the paper, and that took me forever. In the meantime I went to school to pick him. Then after coming back again I sat down again with the decor. At last around 6:30 in the evening I finished everything, and went to school to put the decor on the door. I had been sitting in the garage since morning, still I felt so exhausted in the evening.


Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Handmade boxes

I was just seeing the old photograph, and trying to sort out which pictures actually I already published. I saw crafts I made , but never shared the pictures with you. Here I'm sharing few of the boxes I made in past. Hope you'll enjoy those.