Onam in Oulu 2023

 Annikki and I were absolutely delighted to take part in the 2023 Onam celebrations in Oulu in August this year.

When I sent this picture of the flower arrangement made by the ladies in Oulu to my cousin, Rajen Mammen Mathew, of Malayala Manorama, he commented that it was better than what was done in Kottayam.

Well done ladies.

I must thank Anand for sharing a short video of our Onam celebrations.

The video captures all the highlights and fun and games associated with the celebration. It is a group which has no chairperson, treasurer, secretary or Board members. The children all performed marvellously. The food was superb snd all the menfolk took the responsibility allowing the ladies a chance to enjoy the day. 

The group runs with respect, love and affection amongst all.

This group photo embodies the atmosphere within this group.

Thank you all for giving us this opportunity to be part of your group.

Annikki & Jacob

Mika is 34 today

Today is Mika's 34th birthday.

On this day both Annikki ansd I especally recall Mika's grandfather, my late father, who gave Mika his name, Michael, as 29th September is St. Michael's Day. As a result, Mika has a middle name also, Kuriyan, which was my father's name!



Annikki made a special floral raspberry topped cake. All the colourful flowers from the garden are edible.

We got him the really super spicey chilli beef dish from the Beijing Chinese restaurant that all three of us like.

It was a beautiful autumn day which started cold - below zero, and then climbed to +13 C with bright sunshine.