At Raj Nivas after a while!

Got up at 5, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. Went about our chores but was able to kick off from The Quarterdeck at a trifle past 8. There was an orange alert that was prevalent in seven districts from Thiruvananthapuram, northward to Malappuram. I must, however, say that we didn't encounter rain any where enroute and it was bright and sunny all through. Perhaps, since it's the north east monsoon, it generally begins precipitating only during late afternoons/evenings.

Traffic was within limits and we'd a trouble free drive. Breakfast was at the Saravana Bhavan, near the Paliyekkara toll plaza, around 9 and lunch was at the KTDC's outlet at Alappuzha, around a quarter past 1.

Reached Pulamon Junction, Kottarakkara around 4 and we made it to our dish TV franchisee, got our connection recharged and then we hit the home run. Reached Raj Nivas by a half past 4. The house was opened up, the bed linen changed, sent Lekha to catch up on her siesta and had a quick round of the compound where the grass was clipped just a week back but the growth had picked up, thanks to the evening rains that are getting to be frequent.

Spoke to my parents and briefly outlined our program. Mom and dad are happy, I'm sure!

The dish TV had some problems with its remote control being non operational. Sent the caretaker's son, Aniyan with the faulty remote control and the set top box, as directed by the franchisee and the problems of the dish were sorted out and we could view our favourite channels through the evening.

The caretaker spent time with us as he gave a resume about the general happenings in our village and certain serials to be sorted out by me during our stay here. For some reason, both he and his son were happy when I'd told him that we would be here for a week, till Diwali. Mr Sarma, HM of the Thalavoor UPS has also invited me to an informal chat with his students, next week. Will gift books to six students who'd done well during my last interaction during the 'Vaayana Dinam' of 2022, last Jun.

Lekha's supper was light, nutritious and enjoyable.

It was a hectic day but damn comfortable!

Tailpiece.

Had traversed 260.1 km during the day but it was a relaxing drive!