February 22 I left Bangalore India to spend 4 months with my daughter in Kansas City. Well the weather was yucky at first, erratic with cold and snow and rain and sleet. Though I had spend 15 months in Calgary I kind of did not like the weather. However, the busy schedule planned by Sabrina makes me wonder now how the time flew by so quickly.

With all the trips to Austin, Houston (where Sabrina joined me to celebrate Mothers' Day) and also a long time friend Sherry and Leo Glahn visited us from Seattle, Cinnicinati (where my sister and nephew live) and St. Louis where Sabrina's best friend lives this vacation was one to remember. My time was spent with working out at UMKC gym, helping at St. Francis Church and the Holy House which I enjoyed, playing scabble with Sabrina and losing miserably, and eating at some good places.

At St. Francis I made some very good friends praying the daily rosary with them and then attending mass. Mary Garies and Ginny Burns two wonderful people kept me busy taking me to visit the Liberty Memorial and showing downtown area, the cathedral and enjoying lunches at some good places in Kansas City. I loved Governors Stumpy where Mary and I had lunch a few times and the Dragon Inn on 83rd and Linwood - great eating places.

Talking about eating places - ah - Sushi is not my favorite, but Arthur and Sabrina made it a point to take me to lunch and I enjoyed the Sushi train luncheon. Of course most of the food that I ate was kind of deep fried - ah well it was good. Arthur and Sabrina love Sushi .....

Well I could not make it to LA and so with Arthur's visits to KC in April and June was just a great family reunion. e well spent hanging out (a typical younger generation word) eating home cooked food and playing scrabble.

How can I forget Sabrina's good neighbors the McGraths - Sunday breakfast was always a feast and it was always fun to be with them either for an evening seista or breakfast. I am so happy for Sabrina that she has some wonderful friends and neighbors.

Of course I cannot forget the Scheolgels and the Woodyward with the BBQ ribs. I wish I could have packed some in my bag to bring to Bangalore (not possible I know) or maybe in my backpack to eat in the plane - they are mouth watering.

Am I happy to be back in Bangalore ( I arrived on 24th morning after a 30 hours flying time) - well other than being with my husband and in my own house and bed - for other things I dont think so. The most frustrating is the power shortage and/or power cuts. Twice a week it has been mandatory to be without any power from 8 am to 5 pm. One would accept that because of shortage of rains, but not constant power cuts at any time of the day and throughout the week.

I have been busy since my return sorting out my papers, tax returns, bank stuff to name a few. What else have I been doing - still reading Odd Thomas by Koontz (my favorite author) a book given by Sabrina to read on the flt - I am a real slow reader and it takes me a month or more to finish a book. In between I read the magazines that are piled up since the last four months and the news.

Well this is all for now and will continue tomorrow.