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1. I watched Indiana Jones and at 66, Harrison Ford doesn't dissapoint at being Indi once again. The movie is quite comparable to the previous ones. Cryptic letters written in dead languages, close escapes that unravel the beginning of another adventure, levers that open secret passages and doors, hidden pathways full of scorpians, villians with strange personalities and chases with them, the ultimate find of the treasure, the narrow escape from it as the whole cave collapses on them and finally everything gets destroyed and buried under water.


2. The swan lake ballet by the renowned Kiev school was my introduction to theatre in Canberra. An evening of theatre here is a very swanky and upbeat event. People dress their best and what better time to dress up than winter when there are so many classy layers to display.Coats, jackets, sweaters, knit-tops, skirts, boots.. the list is endless. Right before the show started, the audience assembled in the lobby and all one could hear was hushed whispers and the clinking of champagne glasses. The room was bathed in a dim light which refracted over glasses and diamonds that sparkled here and there. The ballet was a big feast to the eye albeit a bit long. The costumes were perfect, the sets detailed and the dancing professional.


3. I think Koko black is the epitome of dark indulgence in chocolates. It is sinful and irresistable. I have classified its chocolate and strawberry ice cream the best there is. The pictures tell you the rest. Notice the dark mahogany panelled interiors that add to the decadence.










4. Volunteering at the RSPCA shelter has been a very different and new experience for me. Although I am not new to the world of animal shelters, RSPCA's have standards that define thoughfulness and quality of lives. Outside every row of kennels is a speaker from which soothing symphonies issue to relax the animals. The kennels themselves are very well planned. They have a front area for the dog to relax during the day and see the outside world and a back area padded with fuzzy blankets to keep them warm during the night. The granite slabs beneath these blankets are electrically heated to ensure enough warmth for the dogs. Every animal has a detailed and endearing testimonial written about it and hung on the kennel doors for everyone to read. I am learning how to train animals and socialise with them in the right way so that this may enhance their chances of getting adopted. Definitely a very fulfilling time for me.

5. and finally....New Zealand, here I come!!! This is one vacation I am really looking forward to. I am going to Middle Earth in the peak of winter. Who knows...for I might just spot a hobbit as we drive through the mountains and forests. And I can't help but keep repeating........."All that shines is not gold
and all who wander are not lost."

Alas! winter has arrived. A steady silent chill creeps into our house and if we aren't careful, grips our toes, fingers, tips of our nose and ears before proceeding to thoroughly freeze the bones. I miss the sun, more because there it shines in the clear sky every day throwing ray after ray of light but absolutely no warmth. Cold winds pass by in hearty drafts. People are hidden under their winter wear and assorted overcoats and Canberra looks like a sea of black and grey wooly sheep herding along towards some source of warmth.

Summer ended quite splendidly though. Autumn is the most beautiful finale a full,eventful summer could have. Fall colors are magical. Shades of violent red, orange, yellow, rust and few odd greens mingle to create such an explosive effect against the cerulean blue skies. Leaves fall throughout the year but autumn leaves fall with grace. With a poise that denotes a silent farewell until next summer. Although fall was only a few weeks, it was dramatic. The streets were carpetted red and the trees lay barren with nothing but dry, empty branches.

This is my first real winter experience and boy am I armed for it! I already feel like a trifle cake what with all the layers I have donned.What I was not prepared for was the complete sedation. It is impossible to wake up at any hour of the morning and an even harder task to stay awake throughout the day. I find myself snuggling under throws and blankets that I have strewn conveniently all over house and having frequent long snoozes. The second I get out of my cocoon, the cold paralyses me and before I know I have dived back into my warm nest for another snooze to recover from this rude shock. Thank god, I am not working.

What I like about winter is the mist in the morning (I caught a glimpse the first few days before I went into hibernation) that looks like a big sheep that nicely settled down between two hills. I love winter fashion. Not everyone wears black. There are those who parade boldly in bright red or greens as if to infuse some cheer in the otherwise dreary day. I love hot soups and hot chocolate even more than I did in summers for they keep the food pipe warm while all else in the body shivers. I love mufflers and boots. I love looking at distant mountains wondering when they would turn white. And I have never enjoyed sleeping so much as I do now.

There is nothing better than a sharp, cutting winter to invoke a deep longing for another season of summer. Visions of summer hats and parasols swin before my eyes. Ah! the taste of granadas and iced lattes on a hot summer afternoon. The surf and sand....the thought of water now rattles my bones. I wish I didn't have to bathe everyday and could just vacuum myself. Well, winter woes aside, the crisp air and the clean white blanket of snow boasts its own charm. If nothing else, winters brings a common need in everyone to seek warmth.