Aunt Kate's Office

There was an article in the New York Times about my office building being a magnet for high tech tenants. And we had news that Google is moving in.

The Big "One"

This is Dave's nephew Patrick. I went to his 1st Birthday Party out in Manhasset. He had an all Elmo theme including a homemade Elmo cake and a pin the nose on Elmo game. He enjoyed the Indian gifts mom and I found him in Bombay.

- Kate

The Bionic Woman

Mom, I am so glad you are feeling recharged. I hope there was a sign-in sheet for your party! Wish i could be there.

- Kate

Out of the Hospital and Home!

After an 11-day stay, I was discharged from the hospital yesterday and came home. Chooch had spent almost the entire day getting the billing department to accept my credit card -- like negotiating for the release of a hostage is how she described it -- and I think she was a happy as I was to drive away from the Apollo.
My flat looked so welcoming. Bob had filled my fridge with goodies and had a colorful bouquet of flowers on my coffee table. Namy and Jack came over for cookies and juice and a pint-size party. My evening was quiet. And sleeping in my own bed was a dream.
The hospital doctor had removed my major bandaging and left a somewhat smaller though substantial bandaging on my incision. I leave it on for 10 days and can remove it myself. He said the incision had healed nicely.
How do I feel? I feel like I'm gliding when I walk. Not that I thought I was making a big effort before, but now I know I was.
Thank you all for your love and support. I felt it deeply.
--- Mom

Family World Clock

I created a world clock customized for us so it is easy to figure out a good time for phone calls.

Just click here.

Herbert World Clock

NYC Blizzard 2006

The biggest snowstorm of the season belted northeastern United States on Sunday, sinking New York City into its deepest snow on record, cutting power to thousands of homes, closing airports but bringing joy to ski resorts.

At least 26.9 inches (68.3 cm) of snow fell in New York's Central Park, topping a powerful blizzard on Dec. 26, 1947.

There wasn't too much for me to do so I thought I'd take some pictures to share with you all.

- Kate

News from the Apollo

Susan is the proud owner of a state of the art, double wire, pace-maker. Surgery went very well today. Her doctors, Dr. Mao , from China and Dr. Lakshmikathan, a local Chennite, performed the procedure and said it went extremely smoothly. Dr. Mao told Mom he was very impressed, that her heart looked so healthy, like that of a sixteen year old. And now that it is beating regularly she should be feeling much better. Her nurses welcomed her back to the ICU where she will be monitored for two more days just to make sure all is healing well, then after a brief stay on the ward she will be home on Monday.
Once Mom is out of ICu she will be able to make phone calls and return all her lovely e-correspondence so stay tuned.
Thank-you again for all the well wishes and prayers.
Apollohospitals.com (if you want to see where she is)

Showtime at the Apollo

Showtime at the Apollo
India has a way of capturing peoples hearts.. In Susan's case it will keep it beating steadily as well.. Here is Mom in bed number 73 at the Apollo Hospital's ICU unit. (one of the top ranked hospitals in Asia) She is surrounded by the sweetest 'sisters' (nurses) who keep her resting, well fed and in good spirits until she has a pace maker put in( scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 15.) It was a big shock for all of us to find out about her heart but we all feel blessed Mom is in such good hands and has the best care. Pictured is Joy, she is Christian and although she speaks a little English she and Mom can sing Christmas carols together and her sweet smile and attentiveness has made Mom's stay the best of an unexpected situation. Mom is the first patient any of the nurses have attended to who has walked into ICU. All 9 of the nursing staff greeted her as she arrived and wanted to see for themselves the woman who walked in with a heart beat of 37 beats per minute..Namy and Jack sneaked a visit in today even though children are forbidden from ICU.. Jack was visiting long enough to swing on her bed rails and discover a dangling stethoscope. After tomorrow's procedure Mom will be moved to a recovery ward for four days and then will be home on Sunday..
Mom thanks everyone for their love and prayers.

A few days in Bombay

Kate and I had a great two days in Bombay. We shopped, went to museums, walked a lot, and found great places to eat. In fact, one restaurant, Basilico, looked like it could have been in North Beach. The food lived up to a gourmet standard, too. We also had lunch at the Taj Hotel -- Kate is promising herself to stay there someday. It is very posh and is the destination for many diplomats and other movers and shakers. (The food, however, was disappointing for the mega-price.)

I was sad to see her leave but grateful for the wonderful time we all spent together. And I am so glad that finally I could share my affection for Bombay with Kate while she was in India.

I stayed an extra day for a bit more shopping, visiting friends, and walking along the sea road.

Now back in Chennai. We all are missing Kate and the spirit of fun she brings wherever she goes. -- Mom

Gateway to India

Photo 112
Originally uploaded by kate_herbert.

The Taj Hotel

Photo 111
Originally uploaded by kate_herbert.

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA

Photo 120
Originally uploaded by kate_herbert.

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. The Prince of Wales Museum of Western India is one of the best-known Museums of the Country. This magnificent heritage building, situated on the famous 'Crescent Site' on the way to the Gateway of India, is a landmark of south Mumbai. Architecturally it is an exquisite example of the Indo-Saracenic style, popular in India during the early part of this century.

Prince of Wales Museum

Photo 119
Originally uploaded by kate_herbert.

Does this woman look ready to return to work?

Let's just say it is going to be a big adjustment.

The BIG news from India

The big news from India is Namy lost her first tooth.

After weeks of wiggling it Namy lost her first tooth. Here she is pictured with her best friend and neighbor Sakshi.

The wet spot on Namy's shirt is from where her magic badge was that the girls used to squirt me and get me, the "babysitter" all wet.

Back in NYC

I made it home uneventfully. There was an airport workers strike in Bombay but all that meant for me was a little garbage on the floor.

All my flights were on time and I slept and watched movies most of the way.

I arrived in New York at 11pm and breezed through customs and was in a cab and home by midnight.

I miss you all already!

- Kate