November 2, 2014 - Happy 30th Birthday to my Youngest Son, Jeremy Vukasinovic

Well, it seems impossible that a year has already
flown by since my last birthday blog for this amazing
young man who is my "baby" boy, Jeremy.  He was
the last born and the heaviest of all three of my sons

in terms of birth weight, though he is tall ( 6'4" ) and

slim now.

He was one of a city of happy San Francisco fans when the Giants won

the World Series!

Jeremy graduated with a degree in kinesiology from
Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo ( what a lovely area in
which to go to college ) and started work almost 
immediately.  After two years at Maxim Integrated 
Products, he is now in a supervisory position at
Genentech.  He was born in San Francisco and seems
to really love the city ( like I do ) and he has also 
acquired my love of travel.  This year, he visited Bali
and Singapore.

So far, he hasn't married and given me grandchildren
but he's a wonderful uncle to little Harper Ann and saw
to it that, before she was a year and a half old, she went 
to her first San Francisco Forty Niner football game ( he 
has season tickets ).  He's also a SF Giants baseball
fan.

This is one of my favorite pics of Harper and her Uncle "J"

He was a great help to his appreciative mother in getting
me packed up and moved out of my home, settling my
remaining belongings into storage so I could make these
jaunts to India ( protesting a bit, of course, but who
wouldn't ).

I am proud of him, delighted to call him my son, wish him 
the happiest birthday ever and joy and great
things to come the rest of his life.

Here's the link to last year's blog on his birthday.

http://rnsane.blogspot.in/2013/11/happy-29th-birthday-jeremy-vukasinovic.html#links

Along with a little sage advice, dear Jer, I wish you a
wonderful birthday, always have a designated driver,
travel and see the world ( you are following in my footsteps 
in that ) and follow your own good instincts in saving your
money and investing wisely.  You have a good heart and
soul and that's what counts.  

I love you very much.

I am participating in Sundays in My City

                                     

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Harper Ann Is a Year Old! - April 16, 2014

It hardly seems possible that a year has gone by since the night we spent at the
Sutter Roseville Birthing Center waiting for my grandchild's arrival.  While Laura 
labored, her mom, all three of my boys, and another friend passed the time 
alternately chatting, snacking, and dozing, until, shortly, right before 7AM,
everyone but my son, Alex, Laura, the OB nurse and the obstetrician remained
for the big event.  

April 13, 2013 

The proud father-to-be, Alex Vukasinovic, with his brothers,

Shawn Smith ( the short one ) & the Jeremy Vukasinovic

Shortly after 7AM, we were called back into the room where, thrill of thrills, I met
my beautiful GRANDDAUGHTER, Harper Ann Vukasinovic, for the first time.

Of course, to me, she was the most beautiful baby ever and I was so happy to see a

little girl after having raised three sons!  Uncle Jay was already making plans to take

her fishing and to teach her to shoot a gun and to take her to a 49ers game while I

was picturing her in cute dresses and taking ballet!

I only got to see her for six weeks before it was time for my return to India.  Alex

dutifully downloaded Skype but he wasn't so great at staying in touch so I could see

Harper.  Laura did send videos of the major firsts...her cute smile, rolling over, etc.

I did get back home December 3 and I've been staying with the family in West

Sacramento, luxuriating in four months now of being a full time grandmother.  It's

been a delight seeing this baby crawl, learn new words, grow by leaps and bounds

and bond with her Nana.  If I am not out in the morning, she will crawl outside my 

door and howl until I respond, then she is all smiles.  She has a voracious appetite

( like her Nana ) and there doesn't seem to be a food that she has been offered 

that she doesn't like ( except, perhaps, raw mushrooms ).

The night before Harper's birthday party, Harper's two uncles, her "abuela", Elmira,

who had taken care of Uncle Jeremy and her dad almost from the time they

were born and Uncle Shawn's friend, Kim, came for dinner.  Uncle Jay

brought the most incredible cake his friend from Genintech made for

Harper.

It was almost too beautiful to cut but, believe me, it was so delicious!

Her first birthday party was held this past Sunday, the day before her birthday.  Her

Uncle Shawn was home from six months in Kuwait so we were all together for the

occasion, just as we were for her birth.  It was a lovely event, on a bright sunshiny

day, held in her Nene's backyard in Antelope, California.

I decided to wear an Indian outfit for the occasion.

Uncle Jay was all smiles.

Uncle Shawn was catching up on his beer drinking after six dry months in Kuwait.

Here come Mom and Dad with the cake!

Harper was lovely in her frilly pink dress and she enjoyed playing with her

cousins and was wide eyed at all the gifts.  Most of all, she seemed to delight

in devouring her birthday cupcake and frosting.   All the hoopla was a bit 

exhausting, though, for a little one-year-old.

Friday Flash 55 - Help! - September 27 ( in India ), 2013

I wish I had a "know it all",

To help me through my day,

Things seem to be much harder,

As my hair begins to gray.

On the 3rd day of October,

I will turn sixty-nine, 

Who knows what lies ahead,

But I doubt that I will shine!

"I've aches and pains," she complains!

I am taking part in Mr. Know It All's

Friday Flash 55

Why don't you add your 55 words!!

Friday Fragments #266 - My First Visit to Friday Fragments - September 13, 2012

Well, this has certainly been a fragmented week for me.  Sometimes it is hard to 
keep focused, that's for sure.

My Sunday began at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Mumbai where I had splurged and
spent my last Hyatt points for an overnight stay in their Club Level.  Talk about 
luxury.  Just before leaving, I availed myself of a wonderful breakfast in the Club
Lounge, with great staff in attendance and an assortment of excellent food items.

The auto rickshaw ride back to my Branda West condo was much lengthier

than usual since Sunday was the beginning of the week long Bandra Fair,

taking place right beside my residence.  The streets were jammed with 

people buying all sorts of trinkets and, of course, street food ( which I

refrain from eating in India though it smells so tempting ).

All three of my cat housemates were waiting when I got home and, for some

reason, they have parked themselves outside my door all week.  They are

not allowed in my bedroom ( allegries ) but they seem to like my company

when I work at the computer with my door open, sitting there quietly.

Monday marked the beginning of a very special celebration in India, the birthday of the

Hindu god, Ganesha, who bears the head of an elehant.  Almost every home in this

country has his image displayed.  He is revered as the lord of success and the 

destroyer of evil and obstancles. He is also invoked at the start of travels and is

worshipped as the god of education, wisdom and wealth.

The festival to honor Ganesha last for ten days and, on the 11th day, his image

is paraded through the streets, then submerged in a body of water - a river, lake,

the sea - even just a bucket of water for the small images - a ritual sendoff as 

he journeys to home taking the troubles of mankind.  Ah, if only he could be

successful!!!

While monsoon season, I believe, is officially over, we have had several very 

heavy showers, making the Bandra fair goes most unhappy.

Fortunately, by nightful, it had ceased and I could see the lights of south 

Mumbai, across the Arabian Sea, from my window.

I am almost halfway through Barbara Kingsolver's, "Pigs in Heaven".  I ordered

it as soon as I'd finished the first book of the set, "The Bean Trees".  She is 

one of my favorite authors and I will be sad to see this book end.

I am halfway through this six month stay in India.  I miss my family and friends

( and the cooler temperatures ) in San Francisco but I am enjoying this, my

third lengthy stay in India.  October 3, I celebrate my 69th birthday ( how did

I ever get this old ).  I was in Jaipur last year and it was quite a special 

birthday, with three different cakes in three different locations.  No wonder I 

love India.

This is my first time to post in Friday Fragment but I am sure I'll be back.

Join in at:

Friday Fragments, #256

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi! September 9, 2013

Today is very special for India and Hindus world wide - the birthday of Ganesha,
the elephant-headed god, born to Lord Shiva and the goddess, Parvati.  Children
have a school holiday ( it seems Indian children frequently have a day off as
schools are always closed for the major holidays of all religions! )..
celebrations of all religions! 

According to Hindu  belief, Lord Ganesha was created by his mother, Parvati,
the consort of Lord Shiva.  She used sandalwood paste and gave him the
breath of life.  Ganesha was then put to stand guard while his mother bathed.  
When Lord Shiva returned, Ganesha denied him entrance.  Lord Shiva, in a
fury, severed Ganesha's head.  Parvati was inconsolable.  Shiva sent out 
his soldiers to bring him a head from a sleeping being.  That being was an
elephant.  The elephant head was placed on Ganesha's body and Lord Shiva
restored him to life.  He was appointed the head of Shiva's troops and Shiva
declared that Ganesha would be worshipped and, for success with any business
venture, his name would be invoked.

For more knowledge of this favorite of Hindu gods, check out some of the
attached links.  There are explanations for his broken tusk and his choice of
a mouse as his steed.

As Ganesha is often invoked at the start of any travel, my small gold Ganesha,
given to me by my good friends, Shiju and Manju Sugunan, resides in my passport
wallet.  I am not Hindu but I have no problem with asking Ganesha to keep me 
safe on my journeys, near and far.  I invoke all the gods with that request!

Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated, with much fan fare, from one to eleven days in
the Hindu world.  Nearly every home and business has a statue of Ganesha.
Traditionally, on the last day of the Ganesha festival, statues of Ganesha, which 
originally were made from clay, are returned to the earth by being submerged into
the sea, a lake, or a body of water.  In recent times, this has posed an environmental
hazard as more modern Ganeshas are not made of clay and their paints may 
contain harmful components such as mercury.

Song and dance and special sweets ( ladoo ) are also part of most Ganesha
celebrations.

On this Ganesh Charturthi, I wish the best for everyone - regardless of your

faith.  May you be wise, prosperous and have good fortune, overcome all 

obstacles and travel in joy and good health.

Thanks to Bing images, domain free, for the Ganesha images.

http://hinduism.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/a/ganeshchaturthi.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesh_Chaturthi

http://www.calendarlabs.com/holidays/india/ganesh-chaturthi.php

http://hinduism.about.com/od/lordganesha/a/ganesha.htm

I am participating in 

Monday Mellow Yellows.

Add your bit of yellow to join in the fun.

.Happy 31st Birthday to My Middle Son, Alexander Vukasinovic - August 27, 2013

It hardly seems possible that another year has passed and your birthday - the 31st - has 

arrived.  This has been quite a momentous year in your life.  On April 14, 2013, your 

two brothers, Shawn and Jeremy, and I ( plus several other interested parties ) were

at the Sutter Hospital Birthing Center in Roseville, CA, to welcome the arrival of my

first grandchild, the most precious Harper Ann Vukasinovic, weighing in at 8 lbs.  That

wasn't an overwhelming surprise as you weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz when you were born.

Laura was a real trooper and I was so thrilled to have a girl in a family of so many

males ( thank you for contributing the appropriate chromosone! ).

Here you are in your baptismal photo...no 

one can see the gobs of gel I put on to tame

your cowlick!!!

Here you and Laura are on your May 10, 2010

wedding day - one of the happiest of my life.

At the birthing center with your brothers, Shawn Smith, 42,

( left ) and Jeremy Vukasinovic, 28 ( right ).  For once,

everyone has a smile.

And here you are, Dad, shortly after Harper Ann's arrival

This is one of my favorite photos of you, with Harper

slung over your shoulder, sound asleep.

While you are taking your own sweet time with finishing college - is the 

major now math with a minor in economics?  I can never keep up.  You may

well graduate, finally, with more credits than any student ever has accumulated!

But the end is in sight.  

I am so proud of the young man you are.  You and Laura already bought a home

( a year before you married ), you manage an incredibly difficult work schedule and

class, and you seem to have taken on fatherhood with great ease.  You manage 

your finances in a way I never could seem to do.

On this birthday, I am in India but I will be home for Harper's first birthday,

hopefully with her Christmas stocking complete.  From 7000 miles away, 

dearest Alex, I wish you all the best life can bring.  You are well on your way

to have it.

In fact, about the only complaint I have is that you don't get on skype enough so

I can visit with my granddaughter and two granddogs.  Otherwise, you are

one terrific son.

All my love and best wishes on this birthday and every day of your life. 

Mom

Thoughts On My 68th Birthday - October 3, 2012

Thoughts on my 68^th Birthday

A lot of years have passed me by,

And now I’m sixty-eight,

Don’t have too many wrinkles,

And I’ve even lost some weight!

Though I feel a bit more weary,

And my bones do ache and creak,

I have to say, I really don’t,

Feel that I’m antique.

I wish I had more money,

So I could dress in style,

And drink a really special wine,

At least once in awhile!

But all the “queens” are still here,

And other friends so true,

I have a smile upon my face,

And can’t say I’m feeling blue!

I can still put on eyeshadow,

It doesn’t end up on my nose,

And I’ve taken off a lot of weight,

So I’m wearing nicer clothes!

I’ve spent many months in India,

It’s what I’ve always hoped to do.

It shows that, even older gals,

Have dreams that can come true!

Carmen Henesy

Copyright (c) October 3, 2012 by Carmen Henesy
All rights reserved. 

Nick's 21st Birthday, Better Late Than Never - January 12, 2012

I must say, I've been a bit remiss about posting since I got to India.  It's not
that I haven't been busy...and I HAVE been taking pictures...but I am having
so much fun, I find myself, at 2AM, eyeing the computer, then looking
longingly at my bed.  Somehow, bed wins out.  Then, lathered with Odomos
cream to fend off the attacking swarms of mosquitoes, with the ceiling
fan swirling, I cover myself with a blanket and sleep happily until Kamlah
wakes me with a cup of fragrant chai in the morning.

I cannot believe the number of parties that take place around here!  Of
course, one would expect them with Christmas and New Year's but, then
there was the January 1st First Communion round of parties.  That is a
really big deal here in India, akin to a wedding celebration, almost.  I'll
have to post some of those pictures as well.  Also, there WAS a wedding
here in the compound...on December 28th.  And, next, on January 6th, was
my nephew ( well, for all practical purposes, he is my nephew - I've
dubbed him such and he has made me his Aunty ), Nick's, 21st
birthday.  When I asked Nick what he would like for this special
occasion, he asked for me to write him a poem.  He inherited my Canon
digital camera when I bought my new Canon G12 so he thought that
was more than sufficient.

So a poem he got and I told him it would appear on my blog...sweet
kids here, they think my blog is a big deal.

For Nick, On His 21st Birthday

From His American Aunty

I haven't spent much time with you,

I've lived so far away,

But I can't say how much it means,

To share your very special day.

I only saw you once before,

You were cute as you could be,

The sweetest little seven year old,

Having fun and running free.

I must say, you sure have changed,

You are quite the man,

Most handsome, and so nice to me,

Since my visit here began,

I have had such fun with you,

And it's such a thrill to me,

Every time I see you smile,

And say to me, "Aunty" .

You've made me feel so welcome,

As have your entourage of friends,

That's part of why I'll feel so sad,

When my special visit ends.

I know your folks are proud of you,

As you turn twenty-one,

I know you'll be a great success,

But don't forget to have some fun.

With much love, Nick, and all good wishes for the future.

Aunty Carmen

Of course, his mom and dad, my beloved friends, Ode and Lorna Santos

threw him an incredible party, with aunts and uncles contributing all sorts of 

great food for the event.  There was a DJ and the party was in full force 

until Mumbai's finest arrived about 2AM to tell us to shut the music down.  

We did tone it down a bit but kept on dancing for a couple hours more.

Beautiful Mumbai moon

The outdoor contingent

Usually, some finds a log to burn outdoors...it helps to keep the mosquitoes 

away and adds a little warmth for the cooler late night temperatures.

Family and neighbors, Vera Pereira and Lulu Santos

Me and my other sweet nephew, Jake Santos

Party animals

Proud mom, Lorna Santos, and Nick's true aunt, Sonia Santos

This is my beloved friend, Ode Santos, who I met on my first Royal 

Caribbean cruise, the Monarch of the Seas, on April 16, 1995, right after 

we sailed out San Juan.  He was the Champagne Bar bartender and,

during that seven day cruise, I spent a great deal of time there.  He was the

first Indian I ever met, really, and we became instant friends.  Through him,

I met so many other Indian crew and that was the start of my relationship 

with the country and so many people.  In February 1997, I spent ten days

in Mumbai as the guest of Santos and his wife, Lorna, and I am back with

them this visit, and with their boys, Nick and Jake.

Chef Kumar, who actually has been a chef for Royal Caribbean and

other cruise lines, whipped up several fabulous batches of pasta for

Nick's birthday party

This is me with Noel Pinto.  He parked my walker and appointed himself my champion

for the whole evening.  Every time I got up, he would be at my side to escort me.  If I

needed a drink ( it was Old Monk Spiced Rum for me all evening ), he would pour it

And he was a terrific dance partner!  No matter that Noel is about forty years younger

than me!!!.  

Vera Pereira

This is me, minus makeup.  I was racing out in the morning, 

late, and I had no time for it.  I don't think I've been out in public,

minus my eyeshadow, in 20 years.

It was really a great party.  All of Nick's friends are terrific and so much fun. 

The adults always join in the dancing, too, partly, I think, because the music is

something that everyone can enjoy - less toxic than what I often hear at home...

not a lot of ramp with profanity, insanity, or depravity.