The other more affectionate ones are Shanouk expressing his desire for a close cheek to cheek waltz with his master, whom he loves to protect savagely. Told you he was big.. er.. bigger than me on his hind. And even beyond if he were to stretch his front legs.

That choreographed move has kindled a desire for more within Shanouk and as I write he hovers around the lap top, pawing my knee, and attempting desperately for a repeat. Well he ain’t gonna get one. Not till I finish with the blog, anyway. So here be the images -

All right all you dog lovers.. if you have done with your oohh’s and aaahhh’s we may like to proceed further in the day..

The pain reappeared. Such a bore. Feel so handicapped when it does, so went back to the dia thermi and the pain killer and now the world seems bright and beautiful again. Brought a lull in the work scheduled for today. ‘Aladin’ shall have to wait for another day, I guess. As must Mumbai in the cricket IPL. Guess they will be making their way back home. Sad.

The morning and much after has been filled with the election results of the largest democracy in the world. The outcome has again taken all speculations and predictions by surprise. Exit polls and millions of debates on TV and claims and counter claims have all been put to rest. The masses have a mind of their own and have expressed it. They are supreme always in every walk of life. But what has been most endearing to watch has been the grace and dignity with which the losers have accepted defeat and the winners their victory. Respect for the verdict, respect for the system and respect for the mandate from the people of India. Respect when all else around the boundaries of the nation seems unsettled. We all seem to crib and shout and cry and lament at the way so much is wrong around us. But when it comes to the process of governance all procedures fall into place and the transition occurs - healthy, sincere and definite. There can be nothing more admirable.

Love and more,