Rare (ThursdayTreeLove)

 Todays tree is a native and according to the book 'Trees of Pune' by Shrikant Ingalhalikar it is native to Pune.

Yet we know of only 2 individuals in the city. 

Isn't that shocking? And sad? 

And in all these years I had not gone to see the tree!! 

The tree is Adinia cordifolia or Haldu of Rubiaceae. 

So when our tree group was buzzing with news of its flowering, I just had to visit.

They grow at an area where Metro construction is on full swing. I am thankful to God these 2 trees continue to flourish growing as they do by the roadside. I pray they continue to do so.

Reaching the spot was a challenge due to lot of traffic diversions and road closures and heavy rain. But I was determined and I made it there.

The majestic duo with huge heart shaped leaves were in full bloom. The branches were full of the round flowers (like Kadamba and Kaim - not surprising as they are the same family) and a wonderful sight. 

People looked askance as I walked balancing my umbrella, navigating contruction material and cars and my phone camera.

Here is the lovely Haldu. 

Opposite heart shaped leaves

Shortcut Sauce

This is my first attempt at a food post... As I have openly stated, I am a reluctant cook and I have jumped into the bloghop mainly for the food memories! And there are so many, and surprisingly the ones that stand out are the disasters

:-(

However, today I would like to share one of our projects.. one that was we had no choice but to execute and do it well.. The ladies of our unit had to put up a food stall with two items- Bhel and Pizza. For two whole days. A huge crowd was expected. Pizza delicacy was in those days.. way back in 1993... especially in the remote base in the NE where we were posted. 

The local bakery would make the base but during the trials, we faced the most unexpected difficulties. Rings of capsicum dried out and the sulfurous odour of the onions was  quite unbearable. Spending two days in its company was quite unthinkable. Plus with limited space, we could not accommodate many containers. None of us were keen to freshly chop the veggies on a need-based basis. 

Our plan was the do the entire preparation at home and just grill the pizza when ordered. 

Necessity is the mother of invention - it is said and that is what happened to us.