It was a warm afternoon complete with dazzling blue skies uncluttered by clouds. There were many errands to run and things to complete over the weekend but I chose to do none of what was "essential". Instead I raked leaves, watered the plants while watching birds and squirrels out in their numbers. When my reminder for my 3 pm appointment went off, it had been five hours of blissful idling doing nothing useful. In the car, when NPR came on a desi sister was rhapsodizing the virtues of chai and pakora for snack in the monsoon days. She pointed out correctly that that combination of smells - the savory of the pakora and the sweet spice of the chai makes you want to look out the window expecting to see rain - there almost must be rain. 

Monsoon afternoons were my favorite thing growing up and the memories of pakoras and chai very much a part of them. Listening to this woman whose name I had missed brought it all rushing back. Suddenly in the middle of mild spring day, I craved the chai and pakora she so lovingly described. I knew I had to make it as soon as I came home. As it turned out we got busy with other things and that desire faded. But I know it has not receded too far. The next time it rains and weather has us stuck home, the chai and pakoras will make their much needed appearance.