Concept Map - Why Math is hated by the majority?

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Our father's first death anniversary

It was this day last year when I received the message about my father's passage from this material world to the ethereal world. We (my mother, myself, my brother and sister) learnt in our own way to deal with our grief and cope with his loss. We all were left with two choices - either remember him with tears or smile on our happy memories!  Our mother has shown amazing strength in making us see the bigger picture and always usher us into a happy and peaceful place.

It was like predestined when we all had a family reunion in December 2014, four months earlier to his passing. My parents enjoyed the company of all their children alongwith their families. With everybody literally spread out across the globe, we felt lucky to have spent quality time with our parents.

My father's loss has taught us the bigger meaning of life. Be in the present and enjoy the moment! At the end, we leave everything here in this world. So, do we want to reach the end with peace and happiness or with negative feelings of any kind? During this one year, we have continued to remove negative feelings from our heart and mind and make more room for only positive energy. The more positive is our mind, the stronger we are to face anything in life. Like our bank balance, we yearn for more credits(happiness) than debits(sorrows).

The date is just a mere time tracker,  but we remember our father every day of our life. Dates and times may fade but memories never fade. The memories are what makes our lives worthwhile. When you flashback and scour for happy moments, you'd be surprised at the limitless numbers.

We pray for his peaceful soul and urge all of you to send happy waves to the cosmos!

We all love you daddy, wishing for your happiness wherever you are in the Universe!

Some of the many happy moments together!

December 2014

When the whole family was together

With all the daughters of the family

2nd March 2006

June 2004 in Kashmir

Eulogy for my dear father

Dr. A.V.S.S.Sambamurty
09.01.1944 - 12.04.2015

When I had started my blog seven years ago, I never thought that one day I will be writing an eulogy for one of my parents. I have heard often that Death is the only truth of life but I understand the import of that statement now, after facing with the truth of my father. Here I make a humble effort to write a tribute to him.

My father was a scientist in heart and Genetics was his favourite topic of all. It was also the subject of his Ph.D. thesis. He loved to read books on Geography, History, Astronomy and Literature. Though Botanist by profession, he had colossal collection of many old sonnets, original works of Shakespeare and Critics' view of many literary works. Philosophy was another subject that captivated his interest. Plato and Socrates were beyond all of us but he would quote them so seamlessly and would explain the relevance too. Besides books on various subjects ranging from science to philosophy to religion, his home library also comprises of all of the twenty-two books he had written. 

My father was a quiet person and was at ease with his own company. The only people he yearned to be around were his wife and his three children with their respective families. He would wait for our phone calls and a talk lasting a minute or two was enough to satisfy his emotional needs. He always ensured that we were safe and doing well. He kept track of the progress of his grandchildren too. Whenever we used to visit my parents, he would sit at the dining table and enjoy watching them play. 

My father was very loving person and very protective towards his family. He devoted his time ferrying us from class to class and waiting upon us while we were learning classical music or giving our board exams or preparatory classes, so that we receive the all-round development he missed in his childhood. He ensured that we get a solid foundation to grow as confident, self-reliant and successful individuals. My parents worked as a great team for the success of our family. 

My father complemented my mother in most ways and both worked as a successful team for our success. He always provided support to my mother for her growth in the career by sharing the load in the domestic front. When we were kids, I remember, they would prepare laddoos and other snacks at home for a fortnight or so together. We have lasting memories of them working together on household projects which taught us that a family is built strong when everybody contributes their best to support and nurture it. 

My father was always straight in his talks with minimal tact. He cared less for rules which hindered progress of anyone and generally took decisions which were right and truthful to his conscience rather than to please anyone. A trait which can hardly make you popular with your seniors but very popular with students and juniors!! He always maintained that Silence is Golden. Well, there were times when we would encourage him to express himself and he simply said, "I do not have to change anyone or their opinion and it is not my business!"

My father had great amount of will-power and endurance power that helped him get on his feet after many professional and medical setbacks. He would jump up on the saddle recovering soon from the previous set-back. With the strong pillar support from my mother, the recovery was always more easy. 

My father's favourite phrase was "antha mana manchike.." which means "whatever happens is for our good..." Most times it was relevant but many times, we just could not find the goodness but he was always sure that it is hidden. We have to find the bigger good in what happened with him in the course of time.

On behalf of my father and family, I thank everyone who have provided us great support during our testing times and help us through this time when we are trying to recalibrate our lives without him. We will always miss his physical presence and have to gradually learn to live with that but he is in our hearts forever. 

We send happy waves to the world from where he is overseeing our lives and pray for his soul to rest in peace.

Love you dad!

Mt Rainier at Sunrise - White River Campground

If we can call anything as perfect camping, it was our camping at White River Campground, right at the foothills of Mt. Rainier. The perfect site, perfect timing for everything, and perfect relaxation.

We knew that the camp is first-cum-first basis, so we left early in the morning and beat the traffic on the freeway and reached the camp at 8:00 am. At the entrance we found the CAMP FULL board. Soon our friends also joined us. Considering that there is no network available, we had decided to meet at the entrance. It was after 30 minutes that we observed that few people were vacating their sites. So we kept looping in Loop D, right next to White River and successfully found a good site.

Bugs
We had read that there were lot of bugs, so we carried our bug repellant. We reached there but did not really feel the need of using the repellant though there were some bugs around.

Restrooms
There were flush toilets there, pretty clean. Of course at night you need to carry your flashlight or lantern to the restrooms. Tap water was very cold in the morning but few minutes under that water and you will not feel that cold!

Activities

Ranger program
This was interesting part of the campground.
They have ranger program for kids to help them understand the wilderness. In the evening they had a one hour presentation about the geology of the Cascades by a geologist.


Hike to Frozen Lake
We had our breakfast and then left for Sunrise point, hiked on Frozen Lake trail and returned by the Wonderland Trail. It was an amazing 2.4 miles hike, took us 2.5 hours. We returned to our camp and had lunch. Since we knew that we will be spending time on the hike, we had prepared food from home so we just warmed it  up and ate.

Some of the hike trail photos to Frozen Lake.

Mt. Rainier visible from everywhere on the trail

Beautiful valleys everywhere

Dusty trail, supposedly the most steep part

Mt. Rainier, we are getting close and below Wonderland Trail

Shadow Lake from above

Trail gets rocky and there at a distance is Frozen Lake

Mt. Rainier, sky and above, if that is not heaven!

Frozen Lake

After a short siesta, we went on the Wonderland trail and took some photos at the White River. The river had strong currents and Mt. Rainier treated us with fantastic view.

Conifers

White River

Bridge on the wonderland Trail

Mt. Rainier right before the sun was moving behind the hill

Sun-rays from behind the hill in the evening

Majestic at all times!

We tried firing up the coal without the lighter fuel with the help of just papers acting as wick and were glad that it worked. So our grilled food had a great flavour from just the coal and no lighter fuel smell. The camp fire was also fun and enjoyed it till nearly midnight. We even enjoyed the Supermoon and caught a meteor or a shooting star too!

Mt. Rainier at Sunrise
Next day morning woke up early to catch Mt. Rainier in its best colour! :) We were in no mood to travel again to Sunrise Point so stationed ourselves with our tripod in the middle of the white river next to our camp.
Well, even the photos do not do justice to what we witnessed that morning! It was breathtaking and we were awestruck!

Gradually changing from white

Slight hue of orange

Orange peak of Mt. Rainier

View from White river adjacent to the camp

It lasted like this for some 15 minutes before fading away to snow white again

This view of Mt. Rainier just completed our camping holistically! Nature at its best, we feel lucky to have witnessed this phenomena and hope to come back here again and explore the other trails which must be equally breathtaking!

This trip was a perfect blend of hiking and camping!! Wish to come back soon! :)

River Side Camping - Hause Creek Campground

As promised here I am with experiences to share regarding river side camping.

This weekend we went to Hause Creek Campground, very close to Rimrock lake. It is located along the Tieton River and comes under Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington. From Redmond, it took us 3 hours to reach the place. Best is to start early in the morning to beat the traffic. After crossing Snookum Falls viewpoint on 410, the roads were more winding and it became more edge-driving once we entered the Yakima County towards Rimrock Lake. The scenery was so impressive that one can easily get distracted. We kept reminding ourselves to look at the road.

One reminder for those travelling with kids that the roads get too winding at places and causes churning in the stomach leading to nausea and at times puke sessions as well. Hunger, heat and the constant winding can leave even adults nauseated. So take necessary precautions and to drive between 35-45 mph on those roads to have a smooth drive for everyone. It surely may increase your travel time but atleast will reach your destination in better stomach condition.

We finally reached our campground and straightaway headed for our campsite. Funnily in the reservation map, the site was shown behind the restrooms, but the restrooms were like 300 meters away from our site. Guess, it was good we booked despite the site shown behind a restroom.

As soon as we alighted from our car, we were welcomed by a short green snake slithering through the bushes! So this is going to be wildly adventurous camping for us! We surely alerted our son who was careful enough and would inform us where he would go and try to remain in our line of sight always. We surveyed our whole site and were wonderfully surprised to find so close to the Tieton River. Water had strong currents and absolutely cold! 

As we were checking out our site, we found the fire restriction notice on our campsite grill that charcoal grill and campfires are prohibited due to high fire risk!!! OUCH....! Thankfully, we had our propane gas with the stove so quickly changed our menu and form of cooking!! Also, we had brought cooked chicken Biryani in a box for emergency which lasted us for two meals!! Lesson learnt, always have something ready-to-eat in case of unexpected restrictions!

Here is a short video showing our campsite: 

First thing, we finished our lunch and then set up our tent close to the river on a ground with minimal bushes. 

 Adjacent campsites.

Tieton River next to our site.

Panoramic View from our site.

Tall conifers in and surrounding the campground. If you look up, you will feel like they may fall on you!

Coming to the restrooms, they were good and neat flush toilets. But one should remember to get their own hand wash as there is only provision for water which is icy cold! But you do not mind when the toilets are clean and hygienic.

After lunch, we visited the only store around in 6 mile radius, RimRock Grocery for propane gas and some snacks and cooking oil. Next one is at Rimrock Resort along US 12.

After the purchases, we took the road which is an off-shoot from US12 marked as RimRock Recreation Area. There we can find elks and deers walking on the road. We found one elk in the middle of the road looking at us. But by the time we could click a photo, it ran into the woods. It was really exciting for our 4-year old son who has never seen in the middle of the road!! 

The road led us to Peninsula Campground along side Rimrock Lake which is a walk-in campground and had $8 charge. 

It also had an air strip and we found one small plane near the ground and the family set a tent next to their plane!! So, you can come by air as well!!! :)

 Airstrip from the other side of the lake.

Few more photos from the road.

We turned back from here and returned to our camp for dinner. We had the picnic table just next to the river which was so amazing. I remember, how much we search for oceanside view or river view or some water-body view for our dinners while searching in hotels and here we are right in the middle of nature with so much of privacy. It is just us and the sounds and visuals of nature!!! What else can one ask for when on a nature trip!

There I am cooking on the stove frying the hashbrown patties. We came prepared for grilled menu but then everything changed due to fire restrictions. 

It was a bright sunny day and an equally starry night! Although we could not enjoy campfire under the stars but just had fun sitting in our chairs and gazing at stars munching chips.

Next day morning, enjoyed the best cup of coffee ever with the river in front and my novel in hand with no one to disturb!! Only visitors were squirrels and butterflies! So peaceful and refreshing. 

We had great breakfast - eggs, cup noodles, bread-and-cheese, coffee.

All of the items needed only boiled water so managed with the gas again.

Coffee on rocks!!

Mother-son chat session!

There we are enjoying our cup noodles!

The best camping ever. We packed peacefully and then headed home for lunch. 

We are happy that we are able to experience so much wilderness and learning lot of new things of how to manage while in nature, out of our comfort zones. One may think why go through all this when you can stay in a hotel. But for those nature lovers, no hotel stay can beat this experience of camping. It is such an enriching experience for adults as well as for kids. They learn and respect the power of nature early in their life. Also, these outings make us more open to live away from luxuries and help us adjust in most conditions. Broadens up our minds and attitude to a whole new dimension.

Wish everyone gets a chance and experiences nature in close proximity within safety limits!

Have a great week ahead everybody!