Good evening

The Benson Street Hill, also known as Snapper Hill, the space between the Masonic Lodge and the new American Embassy, is my favourite space in Monrovia. It's a vantage point with an eagle-eye view of the city.

The latest exercise regime is for the three of us to drive up to the Hill and run up and down several times. These days, I can muster 2 long laps and 3 short ones. We also do stretches, a few jumping jacks and sit ups.

We have also started taking Bijli up to the Hill. She runs - half heartedly - with Haresh.

Kavita, of course, loves this time and, tries to keep up.

Our favourite part of the whole time is to eat oranges sitting on the side walk.

A few times, we have met little kids exercising on the hill. It's probably the most cutest thing ever, said in true American fashion, with a heavy emphasis on ever.

Cinnamon and ginger cookies

I tried a cookie recipe and, was surprised at how easy it is to make cookies or biscuits. 2015 has been my first foray into baking and so far I've made cakes and cupcakes but not tried cookies so this was indeed relieving to get it right the first time. 

These cookies were bursting with cinammon and ginger, not to mention the wonderful aroma that filled the house. 

All the cliches about baking are really true: it is relaxing; it feels like one is really creating something; measuring and sifting is cool; there is a scientific precision to the measuring; there is something magical about how different combinations of flour, butter and eggs can transform into edible delights; and, most of all, there is true joy is sharing one's baked goods. 

Honestly, I am not a generous person by nature but baking kind of forces you to be kind. Every time I bake a cake, I have an urge to bring it to the office to share with my staff and send a slice to Mama Susu on Gurley Street. 

I gave Kavita flour and food colouring to 'bake' with while I made the cookies.

The conclusion is baking can inspire kindness. 

Harmattan

Harmattan has come unusually early! 

Good evening

Pineapple Cake

I made this cake for a potluck party yesterday. In hindsight, I should have cut thinner slices of pineapple. Nevertheless, folks liked it.

I mean, we do have the sweetest pineapple in the world.