It's another day

It is five am and I have already been up for some time Contemplating the morning as I often do It is another beautiful day and I am thankful So thankful for life And for all that comes with it – gently packaged With tender love and care The many blessings from above. And I rise to face another sunshine manfully Pondering over things to be done But…. The nights – oh these naughty nights They fly by in the blink of an eye And often leave me wondering why While these days- oh these long summer days Where work never ends Where I patiently, passionately, and positively Pursue productivity. To add value and make a difference Where I stand up and say “count me in” But like many others I miss the traffic jams and The chaos we call ‘’normal living” I miss the buzz associated with ‘’working at the workplace’’ Work there is – more than ever But the fizz, the froth and the foam Oh, where art thou? Where is the sparkle, the oomph and the buoyancy The pizzazz, the verve, and the dash? The resultant trepidation is palpable And these masks – the necessary evil Conceal the boredom, the apprehensions, and the fears And are a tad disconcerting to boot But courage is fire and hope holds up the world And we will survive And live to fight another day

It's another day

It is five am and I have already been up for some time Contemplating the morning as I often do It is another beautiful day and I am thankful So thankful for life And for all that comes with it – gently packaged With tender love and care The many blessings from above. And I rise to face another sunshine manfully Pondering over things to be done But…. The nights – oh these naughty nights They fly by in the blink of an eye And often leave me wondering why While these days- oh these long summer days Where work never ends Where I patiently, passionately, and positively Pursue productivity. To add value and make a difference Where I stand up and say “count me in” But like many others I miss the traffic jams and The chaos we call ‘’normal living” I miss the buzz associated with ‘’working at the workplace’’ Work there is – more than ever But the fizz, the froth and the foam Oh, where art thou? Where is the sparkle, the oomph and the buoyancy The pizzazz, the verve, and the dash? The resultant trepidation is palpable And these masks – the necessary evil Conceal the boredom, the apprehensions, and the fears And are a tad disconcerting to boot But courage is fire and hope holds up the world And we will survive And live to fight another day

It was only a sneeze

Just went for the Covid test which is mandated before getting back to school. It was a drive through testing facility - very systematic, good directional signs , no crowd , extremely clean and hygienic- so typical of this wonderful country . However there was a car with a family beside me( 2 meters away) who had just completed their test and were making the payment . Cute little kid jumping around on the back seat and looking at me being tested . Happy family and so well dressed ! As soon as the nurse extracted the swab after first gently pushing it up my nostril, I had a fit of involuntary sneezing and I sneeze pretty loud . For all intents and purposes I must state, that my sneeze has caused people to turn and stare in the past in the pre - Covid days, not to mention causing a certain degree of embarrassment to my family when they have been with me . I once sneezed in church in Pune . Even the priest had a moment and I can swear he smiled while the altar boys had a fit of giggling - it didn't help that we were seated in the first row and all noises in churches always seem to echo so loudly . I looked around sheepishly and a few friends sitting in the pew behind us were hysterical . So much for a simple sneeze, but it did cause a stir . Anyway back to today - The people in that car, hearing me sneeze , immediately put up their car window, had an exchange of words and peered at me with a rather incredulous look on their faces . The little kid seemed stunned . I could be wrong but the gentleman driving the car seemed to go white in the face . Then again it was rather sunny, so I am not too sure . Come on guys - it was only a sneeze I thought to myself ! For some obscure reason I suddenly felt so very guilty so I mouthed the word ' sorry' in their direction and smiled which I now feel must have looked pathetic . They probably saw me as they smiled back and waved almost apologetically . Probably they felt a bit guilty too, although I was actually the offending party ! Both cars went their separate ways . They were in animated discussion while driving off . Maybe they were discussing me and my sneeze ? Probably not . A sneeze is no big deal is it ? Actually in this day and age it is - only rivalled by a cough . Close encounters of the Covid kind ! That ends my little story .

It was only a sneeze

Just went for the Covid test which is mandated before getting back to school. It was a drive through testing facility - very systematic, good directional signs , no crowd , extremely clean and hygienic- so typical of this wonderful country . However there was a car with a family beside me( 2 meters away) who had just completed their test and were making the payment . Cute little kid jumping around on the back seat and looking at me being tested . Happy family and so well dressed ! As soon as the nurse extracted the swab after first gently pushing it up my nostril, I had a fit of involuntary sneezing and I sneeze pretty loud . For all intents and purposes I must state, that my sneeze has caused people to turn and stare in the past in the pre - Covid days, not to mention causing a certain degree of embarrassment to my family when they have been with me . I once sneezed in church in Pune . Even the priest had a moment and I can swear he smiled while the altar boys had a fit of giggling - it didn't help that we were seated in the first row and all noises in churches always seem to echo so loudly . I looked around sheepishly and a few friends sitting in the pew behind us were hysterical . So much for a simple sneeze, but it did cause a stir . Anyway back to today - The people in that car, hearing me sneeze , immediately put up their car window, had an exchange of words and peered at me with a rather incredulous look on their faces . The little kid seemed stunned . I could be wrong but the gentleman driving the car seemed to go white in the face . Then again it was rather sunny, so I am not too sure . Come on guys - it was only a sneeze I thought to myself ! For some obscure reason I suddenly felt so very guilty so I mouthed the word ' sorry' in their direction and smiled which I now feel must have looked pathetic . They probably saw me as they smiled back and waved almost apologetically . Probably they felt a bit guilty too, although I was actually the offending party ! Both cars went their separate ways . They were in animated discussion while driving off . Maybe they were discussing me and my sneeze ? Probably not . A sneeze is no big deal is it ? Actually in this day and age it is - only rivalled by a cough . Close encounters of the Covid kind ! That ends my little story .

Can anyone guess ???

CAN ANYONE GUESS WHAT I WANT TO DO AT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE? How are you at guessing? It requires no intelligence at all and is just pure luck. Not that I doubt your intelligence or any such thing – just that it’s not needed where guessing is concerned. Guessing games always fascinated me as a kid. Any and everything seemed to be a guessing game and somehow, I enjoyed them. Yes, we played those simple games and I know you are saying to yourself “how stupid” - but they were fun. I remember adults playing some of these made up games with me. Their fist closed and “guess what’s in my hand”. One could guess till they were blue in the face and still get it wrong. Often the hand was empty and no clue as to why I did not say “nothing” when asked the question in the first place. Another was - both hands behind someone’s back and then the question being “guess in which hand I have the sweet”. I was crazy about sweets and everyone knew it. I never got that one right either, as they obviously shifted the sweet from one hand to the other every time I guessed. Now thinking back, “yes I must have been pretty stupid”. However, before you jump in to comment, please note, “I must have been around 8 years old. I still know what you are saying, “he was eight and so dumb”. No, I was not “so dumb”. Those were different times. Today eight-year olds are “oh so smart” and some are ready to go out on dates at eight ! I recently read an article in the newspapers about an eight year old lad who took his dad’s car for a spin and drove it down a few lanes till he was spotted and stopped by the cops- I need not go into specifics. Kids today are smarter than we were at the same age . Then there was that common fun game wherein everyone is sits in a circle. The name of the game was “I sent a letter to my friend”. One kid ran around singing: “I sent a letter to my friend and on the way, I dropped it and someone else has picked it up and put it in his pocket. It isn’t you; it isn’t you” ……… and that ‘’isn’t you’’ carried on for a few seconds till the kerchief being carried by the one running was dropped behind someone. Then that person had to pick up the kerchief and run and try and catch the one who dropped it. While this was supposed to be a sort of guessing game as to where the kerchief was dropped, everyone cheated. Let me not digress – there is something I want you to guess. You see, let me put it this way! For ages now I have wanted to do something which could be a trifle contentious or possibly debateable. No, it’s not sky diving or para gliding. In fact, a few days ago the topic came up & someone casually remarked “try it Michael and tick it off your bucket list”. “Sorry, it’s never been on my bucket list in the first place”. Am rather petrified of going up in a plane and then jumping out from the open door – I imagine my parachute not opening , or the instructor’s parachute not opening or me floating off without my chute and the instructor trying in vain to get a grip on me . Then I somehow manage to grab at his leg 2000 ft above the ground and hang on for dear life as we both sail to safety . I have seen a video of that happening and I do not want to have a video made of me in a similar predicament irrespective of the number of likes it would possibly garner. As a matter of fact my daughter did this and she came home beaming one day with the video of her exploits in the air and no, I was not amused, much to her consternation. Some one else suggested “zip lining” and I was seriously convincing myself that I could actually attempt it. After all what could go wrong? You are not very high up in the sky - You are zipped up securely to a line – you have one or two safety harnesses , then there is a helmet , gloves and all the required paraphernalia and you just float across to the other side where someone grabs you and pulls you up . And then I saw a video of a colleague doing exactly that, and then lo and behold she got stuck mid-way, and while she hung there for dear life, probably praying the Our Father and looking brave for the camera , someone had to zip in behind her and pull her to safety . Mind you the pics were up on Instagram for all to see. To crown it all, people congratulated her on her post, told her she was brave, and someone commented “thankfully all went well, and you are safe”. She was a brave lady. There ended my zip lining fantasy. I thought about her ordeal & imagined myself in a similar situation hanging from the zip line – unable to move forward or go back. Then there comes a dust storm and the line starts swinging violently in strong gusts of wind and I am being tossed about like a rag doll while swallowing dollops of sand. The instructor wants to come and save me, but the wind is so strong that he dare not risk it, so he signals to me to hang on , not to shift and not to worry as the harness is secure! So I hang on manfully and am finally saved and everyone claps and says “thank God you made it Michael” and my wife hugs me with tears in her eyes and says “were you scared” and I say “NO NEVER- it was such fun to be dangling from a rope in a storm and wondering if I was going to die ” . Then my daughters put up the video on Instagram and there are likes and comments and people say “how brave I was to do that” and others about “what an ordeal it must have been” and all agree that “I am lucky to be alive” and above all – “all’s well that ends well” - and I have my few minutes of unwanted fame and I thank everyone for their kind comments . So anything that needs me to be up in the sky is out and that’s final. Meanwhile, I recently saw an advertisement for snorkelling, and it caught my attention. Have also seen some colleagues posing in a few feet of water – all geared up to the gills and supposedly snorkelling and so yes, I may do that sometime. Mind you - not definite as yet- no concrete plan, so don’t hold me to it - but there is a faint possibility that some day , in a fit of utter madness, or pure desperation ,I may get into that special snorkelling gear – the mask, the snorkel , the defogger, the fins , the bandana , the goggles& that probing pole that I sometimes see those experts holding and go in to the water to meet the fish and the sharks and whatever else is down there waiting for me . Or, on the other hand I may just dress up in the snorkelling kit and have a few snaps clicked and to hell with all the hype &drama. And yes, I will put up the snaps on Instagram and Facebook and you can all like and comment to your hearts content and I will thank you profusely as you are so kind. Politeness pays. This is really a poor story as I digressed again. I am sure you have not been able to guess till now so I will spill the beans. For ages now I have wanted to wear a diamond stud! A small discreet stud. Just one. Nothing big or flashy. For obvious reason (read job) I have not done so till now. But I will – some time – someday. Above all, I will be on “terra firma” when I wear it so that counts for something doesn’t it?

Can anyone guess ???

CAN ANYONE GUESS WHAT I WANT TO DO AT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE? How are you at guessing? It requires no intelligence at all and is just pure luck. Not that I doubt your intelligence or any such thing – just that it’s not needed where guessing is concerned. Guessing games always fascinated me as a kid. Any and everything seemed to be a guessing game and somehow, I enjoyed them. Yes, we played those simple games and I know you are saying to yourself “how stupid” - but they were fun. I remember adults playing some of these made up games with me. Their fist closed and “guess what’s in my hand”. One could guess till they were blue in the face and still get it wrong. Often the hand was empty and no clue as to why I did not say “nothing” when asked the question in the first place. Another was - both hands behind someone’s back and then the question being “guess in which hand I have the sweet”. I was crazy about sweets and everyone knew it. I never got that one right either, as they obviously shifted the sweet from one hand to the other every time I guessed. Now thinking back, “yes I must have been pretty stupid”. However, before you jump in to comment, please note, “I must have been around 8 years old. I still know what you are saying, “he was eight and so dumb”. No, I was not “so dumb”. Those were different times. Today eight-year olds are “oh so smart” and some are ready to go out on dates at eight ! I recently read an article in the newspapers about an eight year old lad who took his dad’s car for a spin and drove it down a few lanes till he was spotted and stopped by the cops- I need not go into specifics. Kids today are smarter than we were at the same age . Then there was that common fun game wherein everyone is sits in a circle. The name of the game was “I sent a letter to my friend”. One kid ran around singing: “I sent a letter to my friend and on the way, I dropped it and someone else has picked it up and put it in his pocket. It isn’t you; it isn’t you” ……… and that ‘’isn’t you’’ carried on for a few seconds till the kerchief being carried by the one running was dropped behind someone. Then that person had to pick up the kerchief and run and try and catch the one who dropped it. While this was supposed to be a sort of guessing game as to where the kerchief was dropped, everyone cheated. Let me not digress – there is something I want you to guess. You see, let me put it this way! For ages now I have wanted to do something which could be a trifle contentious or possibly debateable. No, it’s not sky diving or para gliding. In fact, a few days ago the topic came up & someone casually remarked “try it Michael and tick it off your bucket list”. “Sorry, it’s never been on my bucket list in the first place”. Am rather petrified of going up in a plane and then jumping out from the open door – I imagine my parachute not opening , or the instructor’s parachute not opening or me floating off without my chute and the instructor trying in vain to get a grip on me . Then I somehow manage to grab at his leg 2000 ft above the ground and hang on for dear life as we both sail to safety . I have seen a video of that happening and I do not want to have a video made of me in a similar predicament irrespective of the number of likes it would possibly garner. As a matter of fact my daughter did this and she came home beaming one day with the video of her exploits in the air and no, I was not amused, much to her consternation. Some one else suggested “zip lining” and I was seriously convincing myself that I could actually attempt it. After all what could go wrong? You are not very high up in the sky - You are zipped up securely to a line – you have one or two safety harnesses , then there is a helmet , gloves and all the required paraphernalia and you just float across to the other side where someone grabs you and pulls you up . And then I saw a video of a colleague doing exactly that, and then lo and behold she got stuck mid-way, and while she hung there for dear life, probably praying the Our Father and looking brave for the camera , someone had to zip in behind her and pull her to safety . Mind you the pics were up on Instagram for all to see. To crown it all, people congratulated her on her post, told her she was brave, and someone commented “thankfully all went well, and you are safe”. She was a brave lady. There ended my zip lining fantasy. I thought about her ordeal & imagined myself in a similar situation hanging from the zip line – unable to move forward or go back. Then there comes a dust storm and the line starts swinging violently in strong gusts of wind and I am being tossed about like a rag doll while swallowing dollops of sand. The instructor wants to come and save me, but the wind is so strong that he dare not risk it, so he signals to me to hang on , not to shift and not to worry as the harness is secure! So I hang on manfully and am finally saved and everyone claps and says “thank God you made it Michael” and my wife hugs me with tears in her eyes and says “were you scared” and I say “NO NEVER- it was such fun to be dangling from a rope in a storm and wondering if I was going to die ” . Then my daughters put up the video on Instagram and there are likes and comments and people say “how brave I was to do that” and others about “what an ordeal it must have been” and all agree that “I am lucky to be alive” and above all – “all’s well that ends well” - and I have my few minutes of unwanted fame and I thank everyone for their kind comments . So anything that needs me to be up in the sky is out and that’s final. Meanwhile, I recently saw an advertisement for snorkelling, and it caught my attention. Have also seen some colleagues posing in a few feet of water – all geared up to the gills and supposedly snorkelling and so yes, I may do that sometime. Mind you - not definite as yet- no concrete plan, so don’t hold me to it - but there is a faint possibility that some day , in a fit of utter madness, or pure desperation ,I may get into that special snorkelling gear – the mask, the snorkel , the defogger, the fins , the bandana , the goggles& that probing pole that I sometimes see those experts holding and go in to the water to meet the fish and the sharks and whatever else is down there waiting for me . Or, on the other hand I may just dress up in the snorkelling kit and have a few snaps clicked and to hell with all the hype &drama. And yes, I will put up the snaps on Instagram and Facebook and you can all like and comment to your hearts content and I will thank you profusely as you are so kind. Politeness pays. This is really a poor story as I digressed again. I am sure you have not been able to guess till now so I will spill the beans. For ages now I have wanted to wear a diamond stud! A small discreet stud. Just one. Nothing big or flashy. For obvious reason (read job) I have not done so till now. But I will – some time – someday. Above all, I will be on “terra firma” when I wear it so that counts for something doesn’t it?

The sugar and me

SO, SOMETHING JUST HAPPENED Working from home - took a break . Took my weight. No reduction at all . In fact 100 gms heavier . Irritated and frustrated. Decided to eat breakfast . Was ravenous . So I had 2 slices of pizza left over from the order last night . It was more yummy that earlier . It always is, isn't it ? Felt good and very satisfied. Thank you "Pizza - to go" Greasy hands ensued ( obviously ) Went to make tea to wash down the grease. Was told recently that it is why people drink Chinese tea after meals . " Why am I bringing China into this" ? Okay - Tea was invented in China around 5000 years ago. ( Google) ( Now I never let anyone make my tea ) except the office boys in the schools I visit ( obviously again ) . No one makes tea the way I like it ! Reached to pick up the sugar container from the shelf above . I am not exactly what one would term as tall . It slipped and fell on the counter top . "O M G" say I. There is a sound of something falling ...crashing with a thud. About 250 gms of sugar spill on to the kitchen counter and some more on to the floor . I move back in panic to survey the scene - its a mess ( obviously ) and that is an understatement . Its all over . "Damn you sugar - can't you stay in one place when dropped" ? On hearing the noise , the wife enters - ( obviously ) Her mother follows . ( Please help me Lord) Women's ears always pick up such sounds ( Obviously again ) Then there are looks, clicks of the tongue and sarcastic remarks - mark you and mark you well - not a fight - not an argument - just as mentioned - irritated sounds made by clicking the tongue . No fight , so I could not fight back ! Not that i would win in any case . Just those odd, incredulous looks and sounds . Mark you - she didn't look at me even once - only at the sugar ! To add fuel to the fire this is what I said " Men are not good at picking up anything like sugar" Working again and staring hard at the computer ! I wonder what she is cooking for lunch ? I dare not ask right now. Are men clumsy ? .

The sugar and me

SO, SOMETHING JUST HAPPENED Working from home - took a break . Took my weight. No reduction at all . In fact 100 gms heavier . Irritated and frustrated. Decided to eat breakfast . Was ravenous . So I had 2 slices of pizza left over from the order last night . It was more yummy that earlier . It always is, isn't it ? Felt good and very satisfied. Thank you "Pizza - to go" Greasy hands ensued ( obviously ) Went to make tea to wash down the grease. Was told recently that it is why people drink Chinese tea after meals . " Why am I bringing China into this" ? Okay - Tea was invented in China around 5000 years ago. ( Google) ( Now I never let anyone make my tea ) except the office boys in the schools I visit ( obviously again ) . No one makes tea the way I like it ! Reached to pick up the sugar container from the shelf above . I am not exactly what one would term as tall . It slipped and fell on the counter top . "O M G" say I. There is a sound of something falling ...crashing with a thud. About 250 gms of sugar spill on to the kitchen counter and some more on to the floor . I move back in panic to survey the scene - its a mess ( obviously ) and that is an understatement . Its all over . "Damn you sugar - can't you stay in one place when dropped" ? On hearing the noise , the wife enters - ( obviously ) Her mother follows . ( Please help me Lord) Women's ears always pick up such sounds ( Obviously again ) Then there are looks, clicks of the tongue and sarcastic remarks - mark you and mark you well - not a fight - not an argument - just as mentioned - irritated sounds made by clicking the tongue . No fight , so I could not fight back ! Not that i would win in any case . Just those odd, incredulous looks and sounds . Mark you - she didn't look at me even once - only at the sugar ! To add fuel to the fire this is what I said " Men are not good at picking up anything like sugar" Working again and staring hard at the computer ! I wonder what she is cooking for lunch ? I dare not ask right now. Are men clumsy ? .

Do you have a pet ?

You know that you have entered the home of a pet lover when 1. Pet utilities are something you spot as you enter – various bowls, mats, cages. 2. You are greeted by pet sounds as you ring the doorbell- Barking, birds screeching. 3. You see the pet as you enter – cats, dogs, birds. 4. If you do not spot them right away, you spot their hair, their feathers or you just get a different scent. 5. Dogs lick and jump, cats come and smell and birds – well they make some sound or the other. God forbid if you are allergic to any. 6. Mid way through the conversation the pet reappears and tries to take centre stage – and succeeds without much ado 7. Thereafter the conversation veers towards the pet and continues unabated for some time. Pet owners love to talk about their pets and believe that the guest is enjoying the stories. So you are told about when they wake, when they rest, when they sleep, what they eat and who they love most in the family . 8. If two pet lovers meet- stories are traded with each speaking about how intelligent / loving their pets are and all the stuff they do. 9. Pet tricks are then displayed – dogs begging, cats encouraged to jump on to the lap, birds been made to talk. 10. Pets are cuddled, fondled, and kissed more than usual for the benefit of the visitor 11. Pets are fed in your presence and the food described in pretty detail. 12. Photographs and videos are shown of the pet posing and in action- a nonstop commentary accompanies the same. 13. However fierce the pet is, the owner will always say – “He/ she does not bite”. I have been attacked by dogs for sure - geese and parrots too. Nothing serious but enough to cause consternation. Raising pets surely brings many forms of satisfaction and joy for animal parents and I am sure the pet feels as happy. Now with the pandemic and more “home time” at their disposal, pet owners all over the world are enjoying more mutually loving and rewarding relationships than ever before. Pet adoptions have gone up 36 % the world over. Gone are the days of keeping a pet in the backyard and feeding it scraps from the table. I know quite a few people who kept dogs like that! These days there is specialized pet food , pet snacks, pet grooming , pet shampoos , pet toothpaste and tooth brushes , pet perfumes , nail clippers and scissors , massage creams, pet medication, pet vitamins and not only for health but for better fur/ feathers etc. – all of these come in different varieties and some of the prices are mind boggling . There are also pet toys, pet beds, pet mats, specialized cages, climbing toys and the like . Pet grooming is very big business all over the world and once again you need to be ready to spend big bucks to keep your pet in top shape and healthy. This can be done at home too. Pet groomers now have home service whereby they come to your house in their van to groom your pet. God forbid your pet gets ill, the expenses at the clinic are truly exorbitant. Going on a vacation? They are pet hotels, kennels and general boarding establishments who will take care of your pet for a price. Dog parks are aplenty but there is also a restaurant where you can go for a cup of coffee or a snack and play with / interact with the cats who are resident there! Am told it is therapeutic and more so for kids. Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that pets at home can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. Apparently, it makes you more productive too. Pets are especially good for children and even those with special needs as the bonding helps build empathy, improves the mood, and brings joy and a feeling of peace. It is believed that the presence of a pet in the house improves motivation and speed when completing tasks and increases listening skills and concentration. As a family, we are confirmed pet lovers and that is why when I see videos of cruelty to pets, my blood boils. There need to be more stringent laws in place to deal which such scum of the earth. It is indeed heart-warming to see people taking care of and feeding strays and birds in many parts of the world – especially the UAE I enjoy spending time with our little cat and it really relaxes me. Why don’t you try adopting a pet! Nothing like it – believe me.

Do you have a pet ?

You know that you have entered the home of a pet lover when 1. Pet utilities are something you spot as you enter – various bowls, mats, cages. 2. You are greeted by pet sounds as you ring the doorbell- Barking, birds screeching. 3. You see the pet as you enter – cats, dogs, birds. 4. If you do not spot them right away, you spot their hair, their feathers or you just get a different scent. 5. Dogs lick and jump, cats come and smell and birds – well they make some sound or the other. God forbid if you are allergic to any. 6. Mid way through the conversation the pet reappears and tries to take centre stage – and succeeds without much ado 7. Thereafter the conversation veers towards the pet and continues unabated for some time. Pet owners love to talk about their pets and believe that the guest is enjoying the stories. So you are told about when they wake, when they rest, when they sleep, what they eat and who they love most in the family . 8. If two pet lovers meet- stories are traded with each speaking about how intelligent / loving their pets are and all the stuff they do. 9. Pet tricks are then displayed – dogs begging, cats encouraged to jump on to the lap, birds been made to talk. 10. Pets are cuddled, fondled, and kissed more than usual for the benefit of the visitor 11. Pets are fed in your presence and the food described in pretty detail. 12. Photographs and videos are shown of the pet posing and in action- a nonstop commentary accompanies the same. 13. However fierce the pet is, the owner will always say – “He/ she does not bite”. I have been attacked by dogs for sure - geese and parrots too. Nothing serious but enough to cause consternation. Raising pets surely brings many forms of satisfaction and joy for animal parents and I am sure the pet feels as happy. Now with the pandemic and more “home time” at their disposal, pet owners all over the world are enjoying more mutually loving and rewarding relationships than ever before. Pet adoptions have gone up 36 % the world over. Gone are the days of keeping a pet in the backyard and feeding it scraps from the table. I know quite a few people who kept dogs like that! These days there is specialized pet food , pet snacks, pet grooming , pet shampoos , pet toothpaste and tooth brushes , pet perfumes , nail clippers and scissors , massage creams, pet medication, pet vitamins and not only for health but for better fur/ feathers etc. – all of these come in different varieties and some of the prices are mind boggling . There are also pet toys, pet beds, pet mats, specialized cages, climbing toys and the like . Pet grooming is very big business all over the world and once again you need to be ready to spend big bucks to keep your pet in top shape and healthy. This can be done at home too. Pet groomers now have home service whereby they come to your house in their van to groom your pet. God forbid your pet gets ill, the expenses at the clinic are truly exorbitant. Going on a vacation? They are pet hotels, kennels and general boarding establishments who will take care of your pet for a price. Dog parks are aplenty but there is also a restaurant where you can go for a cup of coffee or a snack and play with / interact with the cats who are resident there! Am told it is therapeutic and more so for kids. Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that pets at home can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood. Apparently, it makes you more productive too. Pets are especially good for children and even those with special needs as the bonding helps build empathy, improves the mood, and brings joy and a feeling of peace. It is believed that the presence of a pet in the house improves motivation and speed when completing tasks and increases listening skills and concentration. As a family, we are confirmed pet lovers and that is why when I see videos of cruelty to pets, my blood boils. There need to be more stringent laws in place to deal which such scum of the earth. It is indeed heart-warming to see people taking care of and feeding strays and birds in many parts of the world – especially the UAE I enjoy spending time with our little cat and it really relaxes me. Why don’t you try adopting a pet! Nothing like it – believe me.

My old clothes and me

My old clothes and me

The times are changing

The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are The car parks are full once again and traffic jams have begun to rear their ugly head Thankfully, no honking here! There were more than five people at the ATM – all apparently late for work Pigeon feeding frenzy is at an all time high and when the flock takes flight It fascinates me – it always did . Childish ? The plethora of cats that had inhabited the courtyard are suddenly Conspicuous by their absence – have we frightened them away again? Have they been eaten? Yes, people do eat cats and cats eat pigeons! The malls are seeing footfall once more and people are venturing out Like sloths after the freezing winter – apprehensive and a trifle strained They stare into empty shops – not sure of whether to go in or just play peekaboo ! The buzz and the laughter are missing – so also kids rolling on the floor and demanding candy and playthings The salespersons look happier- not thrilled fifty percent of the salary is better than none, but the cut hurts and hurts bad The media headlines remain “Covid” related – but the tone is gentler and less alarming Other news makes the headlines occasionally – a welcome and much needed relief While actual numbers fluctuate – things do look brighter Data is often the devil but ignore it at your peril The race for the vaccine continues – promises galore – heightened anticipation August - December – 2021- 2022- 5 years away – No silver bullet say some Our world has changed forever – or is it still changing? Who do you believe in this madhouse and why should you? – but the world clings on in hope The hope that makes the present less difficult to bear That is the only way out of this horrid quagmire – HOPE is the saviour Share prices in Vaccine companies rise and owners are joyful It could be a marketing ploy which we the commoners will never fathom World games are back to the drawing board and players are limbering up Palms itching for more millions – satisfaction is rare – it is the “more factor” at play - Pun intended Many teams are already competing in empty stadiums – while starved audiences Sit at home & cheer them on from comfy couches. The IPL will start again and that will warm the cockles of many a heart Meanwhile clothes are being given for ironing and the dry cleaners are a pleased lot The sweatpants and T shirts were oh so comfy! Supermarkets are now abuzz with activity and restaurant tills are jingling Offices are being redone and space is king – sit close at your own risk Education is at the top of the agenda Parents and their wards are indecisive yet hopeful Will schools and colleges reopen? Will they? Won’t they? The jury is still out on that one – it is a tough call for all One can never be too sure – there are plans but are they perfect? The perfect state unfortunately does not exist and therein lies the danger One spike and it will be game over for sure The enemy is miniscule yet lethal – it makes the cobra seem like a plaything Then there are the naysayers – there was no Covid in the first place! This is all a figment of the imagination! A sham to scare the world into disarray! Each to his own – you do have the right to an opinion. It’s your bed to lie on The blame game continues unabated – blame China, blame the US, blame Trump, blame the media, Blame the almighty, blame the bats, the rats, the cats – yes it was the wet markets! It makes no difference – no not at all Elsewhere in the world Fools and fanatics fraternize frivolously, and ignorance rears its ugly head There are Covid parties and Covid games – “Catch Covid if you Can” Is that even a tag line? The height of stupidity. Tens of thousands are parading against their freedom being taken away Some countries are opening out and some closing down. Many are sailing up and down the river – no shore in sight Industries being shut down and new ones opening Jobs being lost – new ones springing up just as soon And amidst all the pandemonium and mayhem Temples are being constructed , elections are being fought, scams are being unearthed Refugees are running, Arsenals are being enlarged, boarders are being fortified Governments are being formed while others are being toppled The rich are becoming richer and millions are facing drought and starvation. The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are

The times are changing

The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are The car parks are full once again and traffic jams have begun to rear their ugly head Thankfully, no honking here! There were more than five people at the ATM – all apparently late for work Pigeon feeding frenzy is at an all time high and when the flock takes flight It fascinates me – it always did . Childish ? The plethora of cats that had inhabited the courtyard are suddenly Conspicuous by their absence – have we frightened them away again? Have they been eaten? Yes, people do eat cats and cats eat pigeons! The malls are seeing footfall once more and people are venturing out Like sloths after the freezing winter – apprehensive and a trifle strained They stare into empty shops – not sure of whether to go in or just play peekaboo ! The buzz and the laughter are missing – so also kids rolling on the floor and demanding candy and playthings The salespersons look happier- not thrilled fifty percent of the salary is better than none, but the cut hurts and hurts bad The media headlines remain “Covid” related – but the tone is gentler and less alarming Other news makes the headlines occasionally – a welcome and much needed relief While actual numbers fluctuate – things do look brighter Data is often the devil but ignore it at your peril The race for the vaccine continues – promises galore – heightened anticipation August - December – 2021- 2022- 5 years away – No silver bullet say some Our world has changed forever – or is it still changing? Who do you believe in this madhouse and why should you? – but the world clings on in hope The hope that makes the present less difficult to bear That is the only way out of this horrid quagmire – HOPE is the saviour Share prices in Vaccine companies rise and owners are joyful It could be a marketing ploy which we the commoners will never fathom World games are back to the drawing board and players are limbering up Palms itching for more millions – satisfaction is rare – it is the “more factor” at play - Pun intended Many teams are already competing in empty stadiums – while starved audiences Sit at home & cheer them on from comfy couches. The IPL will start again and that will warm the cockles of many a heart Meanwhile clothes are being given for ironing and the dry cleaners are a pleased lot The sweatpants and T shirts were oh so comfy! Supermarkets are now abuzz with activity and restaurant tills are jingling Offices are being redone and space is king – sit close at your own risk Education is at the top of the agenda Parents and their wards are indecisive yet hopeful Will schools and colleges reopen? Will they? Won’t they? The jury is still out on that one – it is a tough call for all One can never be too sure – there are plans but are they perfect? The perfect state unfortunately does not exist and therein lies the danger One spike and it will be game over for sure The enemy is miniscule yet lethal – it makes the cobra seem like a plaything Then there are the naysayers – there was no Covid in the first place! This is all a figment of the imagination! A sham to scare the world into disarray! Each to his own – you do have the right to an opinion. It’s your bed to lie on The blame game continues unabated – blame China, blame the US, blame Trump, blame the media, Blame the almighty, blame the bats, the rats, the cats – yes it was the wet markets! It makes no difference – no not at all Elsewhere in the world Fools and fanatics fraternize frivolously, and ignorance rears its ugly head There are Covid parties and Covid games – “Catch Covid if you Can” Is that even a tag line? The height of stupidity. Tens of thousands are parading against their freedom being taken away Some countries are opening out and some closing down. Many are sailing up and down the river – no shore in sight Industries being shut down and new ones opening Jobs being lost – new ones springing up just as soon And amidst all the pandemonium and mayhem Temples are being constructed , elections are being fought, scams are being unearthed Refugees are running, Arsenals are being enlarged, boarders are being fortified Governments are being formed while others are being toppled The rich are becoming richer and millions are facing drought and starvation. The times are changing Not sure of the exact direction – but changing they are