Holiday Season Part 2

 

I got slowed down with the reporting. Paradoxically vacation started and life became faster paced than usual. 

Having wrapped up work on December 29th we headed to San Francisco on Saturday December 30th. Amita had made reservations at a nice Italian restaurant on occasion of her birthday. The place was full of life. We indulged in Brussels sprouts, mozzarella sticks and really yummy pizzas. After dinner we stopped to bask in holiday lights at City Hall. This monument never ceases to amaze me.

New Year’s Eve Amita and me went out early morning to bring an assortment of pastries from Arsicault. The almond croissants and galette are all time favorites. I juiced the grapefruit I had brought from home in Bakersfield. It was perfect with the fresh pastries. 

After breakfast Amita took us on a fun drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. 

Evening was quiet at home. Enjoyed the leftover pizza with nice cider watching the entire episodes of the documentary on Yash Raj Films. I had newfound respect for Aditya Chopra after watching this. 

Monday rang in the brand new year. We met up with some friends, first Anjali Paranjape in Saratoga, having lunch at Saravana Bhavan. Then a short stop at the home of Vandana and Vinay Chandra in San Jose. We hadn’t been there since the addition of their new member Mowgli. He was truly a sober, well behaved dog. Very much pampered but not spoiled by his doting parents. 

From their home we headed to Eton, an eclectic Indian restaurant in Palo Alto. Jackfruit burgers were yummy. 

Tuesday Amita was at work for the entire day. But once she was back she took us out for another favorite joint of ours Delah Coffee. The spiced tea with moist milk cake are welcome any time. Through rain or shine. 

Four days of relaxed time with mom, Abhay and Amita before my extended stay in India was more precious than anyone could imagine. 

The year transitioned to a new one. But effort towards becoming a better person just continues seamlessly. It really doesn’t matter anymore 2023 or 2024. It’s all the same.

Picked some of my favorite sarees for these special days in San Francisco.

A very special Paithani in coffee brown with hint of green in the borders. This is from the one and only Meera Mehta.

Next was a pure pashmina saree with paisleys at each corner of the pallu designed with Ari and Tilla embroidery, custom made for me by Jasir Arfat of Kashmir Craftick. 

Last but not the least, a turmeric dyed cotton silk stunner from Naturally Anuradha. This was the most fortunate of the three to get perfect location and light for its display.