26-08-2020
We are having a little rest from the rains for the past three days. There have been occasional rains but in general they have been sunny days. On the 24th evening we went for a walk around the lake. Dark clouds were playing hide and seek with the sun. Clouds are fascinating and they take on so many different shapes. There was a slight breeze and the reflection of the clouds in the water seemed to be dancing. There are seats by the side of the walking track and when we see an empty one, we rush there. Actually, earlier there never were empty seats but now there are. Most people who come for a walk, wearing their masks of course want to finish their evening walk and go back home. We saw a group of youths not wearing masks at all and it seemed strange because we have become so used to seeing most people wearing masks. The other evening, we met a senior doctor who does not wear a mask. I asked him why he is not wearing one. We know him for decades. He said there is no point in wearing one while outdoors! It is ok if we do not meet anyone and if we do, we should be careful. Anyway, each to their own.
It was shocking to read in the paper about police tortures. That is a different world. It is difficult to understand how people can cause pain to others. I remembered the scenes in Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. In those days too prisoners were tortured mercilessly and it is happening now too. Some things never change. It is tragic.
On the 22nd Ganesha Chaturthi was celebrated all over our country. Lord Ganesha is loved and worshipped by most people in our country. People offer pujas in their homes and in communities too. But this year the celebrations have been very subdued affairs. We went round our town and I was feeling very sad to see no celebrations at all. Life has changed so much. I made ‘panchakajjaya’, it is a sweet powder made during festivals. My friend told this recipe. We liked the taste very much.
I am reading The Difficulty of being good by Gurcharan Das. It is a very interesting book. Books take us to a different world and it is good to be there for some time 😊
“We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too.” ― Anonymous
Chickpea panchakajjaya (Chanedali panchakajjaya) – …
www.konkanifoodrecipes.com/recipes/chickpea-panchakajjaya-chanedali…
No takers for large size Ganesha idols this year | Deccan Herald
https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-districts/no-takers-for..
Hundreds of Police Killings in India, but No Mass Protests – The …
The Difficulty of Being Good | Gurcharan Das
gurcharandas.org/the-difficulty-being-good
6 replies on “Everyday Moments (#SOL-2020)”
The photos by the lake are really peaceful and beautiful. I can see why you walk there. Thinking back now I feel like I am also drawn to water for my own exercise – except the nearest water to me is a small river. Of course we have a big lake nearby as well but that’s about 20 minutes away by bicycle.
We’re getting similar guidance here to what your doctor is saying. We’re being told to wear masks when social distancing isn’t possible and in all indoor public spaces. Outdoors it depends on where I am. If I will be walking on a sidewalk that will be crowded, I’ll wear a mask rather than try to walk far from everyone (sometimes that means going in to the road, for example). If I’m walking in the forest I won’t wear one. It’s not really possible to wear one while running so I am always sure to give extra space and choose less crowded spaces to run. Likewise when I’m cycling I won’t wear them – but I also am careful to give other cyclists extra space. Wherever I go I always carry a mask with me in a bag in my pocket. If I need it I have it. We need to wear them indoors – even in our building’s halls and elevators.
Of course it’s always better to err on the side of caution. And I find when I’m walking I often wear one anyway then I never have to worry.
Here the youth are the ones not wearing masks so much and not following guidance. As you might imagine, their group is the fastest growing group for new cases now. Those in the over 40 range are having fewer cases. Still, fingers crossed, we’re managing to have 80-100 new cases per day in our province and the death rate seems to have declined also. I’m glad. I hope the same happens for you soon as well.
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I am sure that it is a loss to miss the communal festivals. I miss our church activities so much too. I am reading The Library at Night and appreciating it very much.
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I always enjoy your beautiful photos and how the weather affects the mood of your posts – often metaphorical. So glad for your respite from the rain! The holiday is intriguing – even if subdued or bittersweet, with a pang of sadness at so much change. I love the escape – and the finding of ourselves – in books. So true.
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I clicked on the story about the large size Ganesha idols. What a pity that such beautiful sculptures are not selling. Perhaps they will be more in demand next year.
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Yes, hopefully they will.
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Is am saddened by the news reports over here about college students gathering and partying without distancing or wearing masks. The picture of the reflections on the lake reminded me of when we visited Mirror Lake in Australia. So peaceful.
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