Koramangala- Krishna Lilac - Bristol Cottage Years

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April 1936was an ominous time in human history!

The Airship Hindenberg completed its first transatlantic flight ushering in a new era in passenger transport that ended less than a year later in disaster! Nazi Germany ramped up their threats against Britain and France and eventually took over most of Europe.

Here in India, in the small port town of Alleppey, Rosamma John Neroth was born!!

And she, has not only stood the test of time but is still going strong – so let’s hear a round of applause for Mom!!

Mom’s father, Mr. NC John was an entrepreneur and businessman who established a thriving export business with customers in Europe and beyond. Her mother was a formidable woman who raised 11 children, a few cows, pigs and a gaggle of turkey, duck and chicken and a garden full of vegetables and fruit all managed by her and her staff, like a modern-day small family business.  If any of you wonder why Mom is the person she is, one need look no further than her mother and father. Mom was the 8thchild and as you can imagine there was an a relatively large age gap between her and her older siblings.

Mom went to a local convent school in Alleppey and enrolled for a BA in Mathematics at St Teresa’s College in Ernakulam. It was not the typical choice for young women of her day. I remember she said that the reason she chose Math was because she could not memorize the details of history or other liberal arts subjects. Math was easy, she remarked! In fact, she won the gold medal for her bachelor’s degree in mathematics! Mathematics, apparently came easy to all her brothers and sisters – it ran in the family’s veins! 

As you would expect, soon she was receiving marriage proposals, so in case you’re wondering how she picked Dad! (I hope I remember this story correctly). She told her father that she wanted to marry a man more educated than her. I can’t imagine how that conversation must have gone in 1955 between a nineteen-year daughter and her father (Appapan). Regular SSLC or Intermediate (12th grade) graduates did not qualify. And so, in 1956, Dad, with a master’s degree in engineering from England enters the stage. She had met her match!!!

And soon she was off to England to meet the queen. Well, not really, but to Bristol, England where Dad worked at Rolls Royce Engines. I met Bryan Williams, one of Mom and Dad’s oldest friends in the small town of Fishponds, near Bristol, who remembered Mom’s arrival in town. “She looked like a beautiful Indian princess in her colorful saree, and it was my privilege to drive her around town on occasion”. True story – A road rally is a sport about precision not speed, where teams compete to see who is best at reading route instructions given to them at the start, following a route, maintaining an assigned average speed, regardless of road signs and traffic, until the finish. Dad and his two Rolls Royce engine design colleagues, Reg Lattimore and Bryan and Mom won the local Bristol car rally, thanks to mom’s quick re-calculations from the back seat, of changes in speed required to comply with the precise instructions.  Mom and Dad eventually returned to India and settled at Bristol Quarters, Bangalore, so that’s the Bristol connection all the way to our farm house named Bristol Cottage.  

Mom comes from a large family and she has approximately 64 nieces and nephews, many of whom studied or passed through Bangalore on their own journeys

A memorable story from Mom’s younger sister Lolamma Amayi as read by her daughter, Sheila 

Amchi’ memory is fuzzy but one of the stories she recalled involved the 3 girls Ammini Peramma  Rosamma Aunty and Amchi and 3 of the brothers VelIiachen, Mathachen Achen and Chackochen Achen.  It seems each of the men had one of the girls as their shingidis or assistants. So Veliachen had Ammini Peramma  as his assistant,  Mathachen achens was Rosamma Aunty  and  Chackochen achen's was Amchi.  So, the girls duty it was to wash their shaving things or fetch them coffee or tea etc. In return the girls would be paid the handsome sum of 4 annas by their respective master.  The men used to shout out to them ' shambalam' or (salary) and they would run to attend to their demands. 

Unfortunately for Rosamma Aunty, while the other two pay masters were good about paying their salaries, Mathachen achen was a bit lax about paying Rosamma Aunty

I’m guessing it must have toughened her up from her earliest days!!!

Leela, her niece in Virginia writes

I remember the time she would pick all those pomegranates from her garden, and expected us to help her shell them!! Of course she would sit with us, making sure we didn’t goof off!!  But my favorite time with her was at Alwaye house when she visited over summer w the four boys!!  

Amayi has always been an inspiration to me. Always admired the way she brought you guys up!! So regimented you boys. Give her a big hug from me!!

Philo, her niece in Pennsylvania writes

My Birthday Wishes to a wonderful, beautiful and one of the strongest of all Neroth Women! May you be blessed with Health and Happiness and a long life!

My memories of Rosamma aunty started when I was a kid when the whole family came down during Christmas break to stay at Neroth house. The boys were our constant companions and the best of my childhood was spend with them and my siblings.

Rosamma aunty was everyone's Godmother in Bangalore. I went to live with them for a few months after my studies to do some courses on cooking, baking and general housekeeping stuff with Aunty Vera 

But I must say my experience with my aunt gave me some real valuable lessons in housekeeping and also how to live on a budget, and I mean really live by a budget!!

She had a wonderful system and I still use her way in household management. She and I used to go to oversee ice cream sales at the schools and colleges and the best part was coming home and counting the money. Perappan, of course, had a quirky smile on his face as aunty and niece sat on the bed and counted. The small amounts were big in our eyes and we were happy!

I know Perappen was very fond of me and the tough guy that he was, I was able to wrap him around my little finger and have him drive me and my aunty to several movies almost weekly. What Rosamma aunty couldn’t achieve I was able to get him to do.

She was a tower of strength and I believe she still is. Rosamma aunty is a lucky and Blessed woman with 4 wonderful sons and daughters in law and 7 grandkids God has Blessed her with all this and more. May God continue to Bless her. Love and kisses, Philo

Mini, her niece in Florida writes

Please wish Rosamma aunty a very Happy Birthday from Aidan and I and give her a big hug from us. The first thing that come to mind is the Sunday luncheons at HAL.  Rosamma aunty and chittappan were very generous for hosting all the nieces and nephews every Sunday for lunch.  She played a great part in holding the Nereyeth side of the family together and it helped us to get to know one another better. The cards sessions after lunch were fun too.  I also felt I could count on her to be there for me if the need arose. She used to also host the sister's meet which I know was a good break for all her sisters.  It was hilarious to listen to all their shopping adventures and gossip of course.  May she be blessed with many more birthdays. Looking forward to seeing her at Divya's wedding in 2017.

John’s wife Mina writes

I have known mom for more than 30 years. I was very scared when I first met her, but things got better as the years went by. Thanks for bringing up John the way you have. He is a good human being and wonderful husband. I appreciate everything you have done for me and the family. Have a great happy birthday and many more. We all love you very much.

Tom’s wife Lisa writes

My favorite memory of Mom was at Dad's 75th birthday celebration in Bangalore.  We were at a club and Varun and Vishal were in a swim race against you and John.  We were all spectators and were rooting the swimmers on.  This is the happiest I have ever seen mom, she was hooting and howling along with us and thoroughly enjoying the event, surrounded by her sons, their wives and her grandchildren on a beautiful sunny day.  Whenever I think of mom, I remember the smile on her face and the joy in her heart on that day.

Jacob’s wife Romi writes

Happy Birthday and God bless

George’s son, Vishal writes

Happy Birthday Amamma. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this family and me. God Bless you.

John’s daughter Divya writes

I wish you a very happy birthday! It’s such a blessing that you are so sharp and savvy with all our modern technology that even though you are 8000 miles away, you right here with us on that day

Tom’s son, Matthew writes

Despite living on the other side of the world, Amamma has always been in my life. She came to the US to care for me when I was born, and still visits the US in the summers to see me.

I am always moved by stories of her tenacity, sharp wit, entrepreneurial spirit, and athletic prowess. Not many people can say that their 80 year old grandmother swims laps at the Bangalore club for thirty minutes continuously – something neither I nor my dad can do!

Amamma, you are the proud matriarch of this family, you’re a humble and caring soul, you are a socialite with an extensive network of close, lifelong friends, and you are truly an inspiration to me. I want to thank you for every meal you have cooked, every excursion you have taken me on, every debate we’ve engaged in, and every story you’ve told me. Happy 80thbirthday.”

Jacob’s son Mark writes

I remember when Ammama came to Massachusetts and successfully got something to grow in our garden.  Using her expert eye, she told me not to buy the flowering plants that I had picked out as they had already blossomed. She chose a pair of the barest plants to bring home. Doubtful, I brought the plants home, and she showed me how to plant and take care of the plants. Fast forward a few weeks, the flowers were in full bloom and the Thekkethala garden was off and running. I can't wait to see Ammama again when she comes to the US, partly to win back the money I lost to her playing rummy! 

Jacob’s daughter, Ria writes

Ammama,

You have taught me so much. I remember the time we knit a scarf for Dad. Or when we made a summer dress together. Not to mention I couldn't imagine my life without playing Rummy:) I hope you have an amazing birthday! I love you so much and I can’t wait to see you soon so we can continue with our Rummy tournament. 

Tom’s daughter Angel writes,

I remember having fun with Amamma during her last visit. Amamma taught me how to make paper boats and I made several boats for her. I still keep some of the boats for her next trip.

Rock me to Sleep – a poem by Elizabeth Allen

Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,

Make me a child again just for tonight!

Over my slumbers your loving watch keep; 

Rock me to sleep, mom, — rock me to sleep!

No love like mother-love ever has shone;

No other worship abides and endures, 

Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours:

Rock me to sleep, mom, — rock me to sleep!

Happy 80thBirthday

God bless you and all your family and friends 

UNINVITED   GUEST AT KRISHNA LILAC 

Yesterday morning around 10.30 am Appapan was taking his usual nap after breakfast, and I was in the living room reading newspaper. 

Reena was in the kitchen, peeling and chopping vegetables for lunch and she happened to look towards the door-way leading to the dining room to find a huge monkey non-challengingly staring at her from the other side!! 

Her loud scream did not deter our uninvited guest who walked into the kitchen, looked around and then jumped onto the cooking counter.

A screaming Reena   managed to escape from the kitchen in to the Dining room 

Now the guest spotted bananas on top of the fridge, leapt from the counter to the fridge top and had a hearty breakfast of 2 bananas.  And instead of throwing the banana skins into the waste bin kept outside, he threw them on the floor!

From there, he noticed vegetables   on the kitchen counter and jumped back and picked up a couple of Tomatoes   sat there and slowly started eating them. He looked very calm and composed, and he completely ignored our agitated looks.

 By this time, Reena, Lakshmi, and I were totally dumbfounded and had no clue on how to send off the guest.

I went looking for a long curtain rod or stick to drive the monkey out, others prayed that he goes away on his own. The monkey was in no hurry and he jumped on to the kitchen sink, opened the tap, wiped his face clean, and left the water running.

He dints bother to close the tap either!

Fortunately for us, the monkey was a mature old chap who did not believe in indulging in frivolity and jumping around the house and destroying things.  After helping himself to one more fruit from the counter, he calmly walked out the same way he came in - through the window of our master bedroom.  This guy had squeezed himself between the window bars, into the balcony, slid open the mosquito mesh door, to get in to the master bedroom walked through the entire length of the bedroom - where appapan was resting; and through the little lobby into the dining area leading to the kitchen.  He is an expert and seems to know how to break in to people’s homes. 

Probably he has an in-built GPS or must have studied the architectural plan of the apartment before venturing into it!! At last, when he left, all of us heaved a sigh of relief. An uninvited guest indeed!! I am now going to get latches installed on all the mosquito meshed sliding shutters of the windows and balcony and make sure our windows are shut when I step outside. 

Posted 8th November 2012 by Rosamma

A RODENT IN MY LIVING ROOM 

I MAKE WEEKLY VISITS TO OUR FARM HOUSE, BRISTOL COTTAGE AND TAKE GREAT PLEASURE BRING HOME FRESH FRUITS AND ORGANIC VEGETABLES GROWN OVER THERE. I FEEL VERY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO EAT THESE ORGANIC HOME-GROWN PRODUCTS. LAST WEEK I BROUGHT SOME LEMONS, PASSION FRUITS, AND SWEET POTATOES. REENA STORED THE SWEET POTATOES ON THE SHELF IN THE OPEN KITCHEN VERANDA. 

NEXT MORNING SHE FOUND SOME OF THE SWEET POTATOES WERE NIBBLED AT, AND A FEW EATEN AWAY -ON CLOSER INSPECTION WE CONCLUDED THAT A RAT MUST HAVE DONE THIS HAVOC .IT COULD HAVE CLIMBED UP THE PIPE LINE IN THE COVERED DUCT, AND MADE A SMALL HOLE IN THE DUCT COVER TO ENTER OUR 2ND FLOOR KITCHEN VERANDA. 

WE HAVE TO CATCH THIS THIEF BEFORE IT DOES MORE DESTRUCTION -BUT HOW?  AN IDEA CAME UP  -WE WILL GET A RAT TRAP AND CATCH THE SCOUNDREL. I ASKED RAJESH TO GO AND GET A GOOD  RAT TRAP
THE TRAP  LOOKED PERFECT-  AN 18"LONG  9" * 9" CONTRAPTION
NOW WE NEED SOME  SUITABLE  BAIT  TO ATTRACT  THE RAT TO THE TRAP
POTATO , DRY FISH , BANANA ,ETC

OPEN THE  TRAP SHUTTER AND HOOK THE BAIT INSIDE THE BOX AND KEEP THE SHUTTER DOOR OPEN -WHEN RAT ENTERS THE TRAP  AND PULL AT THE FOOD ,FROM THE HOOK , THE SPRING  SHUTTER  CLOSED , TRAPPING THE RAT INSIDE
GENERALLY ,RATS SEARCH AROUND FOR FOOD AT NIGHT
SO BY 6 PM WE GOT THE TRAP ALL SET AND PLACED IT NEAR THE SWEET POTATO BASKET  - BY 9 PM REENA CAME RUSHING IN , TO INFORM ME THAT SHE DID A MISTAKE- IT SEEMS SHE NOTICED  THE  TRAP DOOR CLOSED ,SHE THOUGHT IT  MUST HAVE  GOT SHUT  BY ACCIDENT, AND WANTED TO RE FIX  IT AND OPENED THE TRAP DOOR AND LO!  THE RAT QUICKLY  JUMPED OUT AND ESCAPED DOWN THE WALL !

SHE DID NOT REALIZE THAT THE RAT WAS ALREADY TRAPPED IN THERE
SHE FELT FOOLISH .- WHAT SHOULD SHE DO NOW ? I SAID IT IS ONLY 9  PM NOW , YOU HOOK ONE MORE BAIT AND KEEP IT IN THE SAME PLACE  - LET US SEE, IF THE RAT WILL  COMES BACK   -SO SHE GOT ANOTHER BAIT AND OPENED THE SHUTTER TO HOOK IT INTO PLACE SUDDENLY SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENED
LO AND BEHOLD!!    ANOTHER RAT JUMPED OUT FROM THE TRAP
CAN YOU IMAGINE , TWO RATS WERE TRAPPED  INSIDE THE TRAP BOX
THIS RAT , INSTEAD OF RUNNING OUT, LIKE THE OTHER ONE , LOST ITS WAY AND RAN INTO THE KITCHEN , THEN  IN TO THE DINING ROOM AND INTO THE LIVING .
THERE WAS PANIC - WE HAVE TO DRIVE THIS RODENT OUT SIDE THE  HOUSE -
WE QUICKLY GOT INTO ACTION , SHUT   ALL HE  4 BEDROOM DOORS TO DENY ENTRY TO THE RAT , KEPT THE KITCHEN DOOR WIDE OPEN FOR THE RAT  TO ESCAPE AND  ARMED  WITH A HOCKEY STICK SEARCHED  BEHIND  SOFAS IN THE LIVING ROOM - AND ON BEING CHASED ,THE RAT WHICH IS  ABOUT  THE SIZE OF YOUR FIST ,  WENT IN TO HIDING IN  THE DINING  ROOM CORNER   AND SUDDENLY  FOUND  THE KITCHEN DOOR WIDE OPEN  - IT ACTUALLY RAN DOWN THE HIGH WALL  TO THE GROUND AND ESCAPED.

WE BREATHED A SIGH OF RELIEFWE TRIED TO SET UP THE TRAP AGAIN . BUT THE RATS WERE WISE. THEY NEVER WANTED TO VISIT US AGAIN.
 

Posted 2nd November 2016 by Rosamma