Happy Diwali to all

Diwali (or Deepavali) is a major Indian holiday, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of Lord Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest, after he defeated the evil Ravana. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deeva), thus its name: Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. There are many different observances of the holiday across India.

In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.

(Wiki)

My only son Tom as an early teen..and Tom even younger..and now...

Well, I could not leave my son out..but could not find a clear picture that I liked..so here's whatever came my way..taken at three stages in his life. The oldest picture was taken at the International School in Thailand, the early teen taken when living in Vietnam and the current one in the UK! That's Tasha and friend Sharon having a jolly good laugh....with Tom in the background!

My home in India where I grew up

Such wonderful memories...the boys (includes my dad and four brothers) and my sister playing badminton every morning. I would be the water girl...it is the house where I spent the formative 20 years of my life and where I still go every holiday! The kids love that house, as much as I do!!! After all, their grandparents live there...

Must try and find a picture of my current home ...

Me with my good friend Jenny

Jenny and I share the same birthday and she's Tanya's best friend Alison's mother. They have been the best of friends from age 4..and still are at age 12 nearing 13!

Tasha's second skydive

Tasha plans to take this new hobby far. This is at 3500 feet in the beginning stage. She would like to freefall from 15,000 feet but that would be after 30 jumps. Good luck, Tasha, my brave princess! I know I couldn't do it!

Take care! And Tom plans to join you when his dissertation is over! And Tanya when she turns 18!

Tash with her Black Belt

Tasha fulfilled her dream of gaining her Black Belt in Kai Zen Do (kickboxing)in December 2007. Her speech was ab fab and everyone loved it. Her 6 friends had come to support her too. She will carry on with this at university. Good Luck!

Mr S and his 2007 Dec Black Belts