Mother's Day in India

OK - it hasn't actually happened yet because Mother's Day is tomorrow but I thought it was funny that we will be going to a Japanese Brunch in India for my Mother's Day. Just one of those funny things when I say it in my head - strikes me as a bit odd. I'm really looking forward to it.

I don't have much to report. We've had a nice week with the boys attending a pottery camp at one of those "paint it yourselves" places but their week included the potters wheel and some mosaic tile ceramic work along with all the painting. I'm sure to get some goodies for my house out of the week (or perhaps Annie and Grandma Joan will get some too!). The picture above is the pottery teacher with Matt (his most lucrative student).

Another fun thing is that we made a new friend at the pool. I'm sure it's not what you're imagining. He's 90+ years old and everyone here refers to him as Kapoor Uncle. He is the eldest in a home of 3 generations (Indian) here at Laburnum and he is in the pool EVERYDAY. He is some ex-championship swimmer who has also taught many generations of kids to swim here at Laburnum and all over India. He's gentle and kind and Owen just asked him straight out one day if he would teach him how to swim - which, I think, warmed his heart immensely towards Owen. Mutual adoration ensued and after one session (very informal) in the pool he was THRILLED with Owen's progress as were John and I. Owen was ready to learn and eager to impress this man who praised him highly and repeatedly told John in I that he has never had a child learn as quickly as Owen. He then told everyone else about Owen and I started to get people asking me about it. Owen is SO proud. The next evening, Kapoor Uncle brought Owen what he said was sure to be his first of many championship trophies - a Toblerone bar!

Our maid is gone for one month (why couldn't this be the same month we were gone??? - starting to think she worked me on this one) but I'm excited that her plans include working for us 24/7 in the fall after we return. She's a good fit. We have formally applied to the American Embassy School and expect all 3 boys will attend in the fall - very exciting for me. Everyone's life will change including those folks working for us. My day will get easier but our cook will now be here for breakfast and dinner along with packing lunches and our driver will be doing a big commute into Delhi daily which is a rarity right now.

Well, I just took a short break to bath the kids and we had another household disaster. You just get used to the fact that things don't work like you expect them to here in India.

So, Jack just had a new hot water tank installed in his bathroom and it's extra large (still very small) which means he gets the longest shower in the house. But, as I was helping Jack and Matt in Jack's shower I heard a big blast behind me and a blast of hot air and spray. The heater (imagine a tank hanging at the ceiling) pipe let loose and VERY hot water and steam was blasting at us. Somehow (I'm sure instinctively) I found myself inside the shower with Jack and Matt and all 3 screaming frantically for John who was in our bathroom bathing Owen. John just thought there was a little ruckus and was a little slow to respond (I'm not sure how he thought this - my ears are still ringing from the screaming). I was using our newly purchased (today) shower curtains to protect the 3 of us. Poor Matt was totally freaked out. John quickly saved us, shut off the water and all is fine. Anand has been busy mopping up the mess. Thank God for Anand.

We are heading out tonight - invited to Leena's to play games with a small crowd of folks from Laburnum. Looking forward to it. She sent a text message saying the dress code is Denim and there will be shots of Vodka for anyone who doesn't comply. I think I like her. I also think I need that shot of Vodka.

On a funny note, our house in AA has always had limited hot water since we moved in but now I can't wait to get home to that "limit" which allows me to both wash my hair and shave my legs all in one shower. Just a little of that "perspective" thing.