The wicked-witch of South Kackalackie

Not only does Ben enjoy shopping at CVS for his gum, but his cosmetic goods too.

I couldn't resist!

While Sarah Palin does look good on TV,

so does Madonna (wait she would make a fabulous VP)...

Evertime that women says "Drill Baby Drill" I throw up just a little!

Our 4th...

We celebrated our 4th anniversary on Friday 10/10 (we are getting old) at Chateau Elan.

Shruti's commentary on the weekend:

Yes Ben, actually I should say "we" lucked out on remembering our anniversary. Good thing because we still don't agree on our dating anniversary! We went to Chateau Elan (winery/spa), I was happily impressed...only a 30 minutes drive from the ATL too. For you tennis fans, I recommend the "love 40 tennis package" they offer. But I don't recommend wine tasting before the tennis lesson, luckily I have no pictures from our lesson.

Ironic enough 10/10 was a Friday and there were two weddings taking place on the grounds. After dinner Ben and I strolled past the reception of one of the weddings... thinking how romantic ... what a beautiful setting ... everything is so amazing ... and just then an older drunk man wearing a tuxedo ran into me with a girl that barely looked 18. Got to love Barrow County (next to Gwinnett County and considered one of the metro counties of the ATL). I wanted to ask them if they had any tequila shots that night? Why else would they be rushing back to their hotel room...

Click on the pictures to see enlargements. I'll just say I'll post the photo settings.

Ben's commentary for the weekend:

The hands in the picture above are those of a 76 year-old gentleman from Australia, who settled in the suburbs of Atlanta some time ago. His son is a newscaster for one of the local stations here in Atlanta. Currently, he works two jobs: a) wine tasting assistant extraordinaire; and b) concierge for the Gwinnett County amphitheater. Such is the state of the economy. He commented that the worst behaved fans were those ticket-holders for "Hannah Montana." Apparently, wrestlers for the WWF were "by far" the biggest gentlemen. The most popular act was a "gay Mexican cowboy" band. The demographics of Gwinnett have changed indeed.

Shruti and I had a great time at the resort and I recommend it generally as well. The suites are large and the food is excellent. Also, if you like tennis-the courts were available during the whole time we were there, which was a plus. The "nature walk", however, is riddled with fire ants and is really just a golf cart path covered with bark and pieces of pine.

Shruti's commentary to Ben's commentary:

I wanted to take pictures because it was a beautiful day (and the real reason for the trip) so I hauled Ben on the nature walk in the AM. I think he made up the fire ants because I did not get bite. He really just wanted to snooze in the room longer because the bathroom was bigger then our living room.

Svati and Patrick's Research at Duke (my sister and brother in law)

Click on the article to read.

Baby Olivia

Click on the picture to enlarge.

Olivia Grace Sawyer was born on August 14th at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA. She weighed 5lbs 15 ounces, a little less than the Chinese Olympic Gymnasts (who were amazing). Olivia is so beautiful and has the cutest little cry, which sounds a lot like our Bunnie cat. Did I mention she sleeps like a Sawyer too? Next time you see me, ask me how a Sawyer sleeps....

Here is one-eye Olivia with Tiffany Mommy several hours after delivery.

click on picture to enlarge

Tiffany and Olivia are doing well.

Guess who said "Labor was easy."

Hint it wasn't Tiffany, just kidding Alex!

We are offically Ben Uncle and Shruti Auntie! Growing up in my Indian culture/community, it was respectful/endearing to call the Indian men and women Uncle and Auntie. I never did get the hang of it, but Shirl could do it like a pro. So I am Shruti Auntie! Actually because I'm Gujarati, Ben and I actually would be: Ben Kaka and Shruti Kaki. Because Ben and Alex are brothers the above title applies. This makes it clear which side of the family you are refering to. Click on the link below for a better explanation.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Gujarati/Family_relations

Photo Assignment 6

The assignment was portraits of one, two and three people ... or kats. Our instructor focused on a natural look, that not every potrait has to have a smile. Will post settings for each pic soon.

Photo Assignment 4

Ironically this was taken with my point and shoot in Puerto Rico (Monique's wedding). This was prior to me owning a DSLR. I can't recall the assignment details right now...

These weren't part of the assignment, but amused me.