Ten on the 10th

Blog friend Joy has started posting a monthly "Ten on the 10th" photo post and I have decided to join in.  You take ten photos on the 10th of each month and post them.  This is my first time participating and I chose to focus on my garden.

The amaryllis bulb that M gifted me sent up two flower stalks and one is blooming:

Amaryllis

Sharing the same planting bed with the amaryllis are the nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums

Nearby, the rescued kalanchoe plant is thriving:

Double Flowered Pink Kalanchoe

These are California's state flower:

California Poppies

The "Scaredy Cat" (Coleus caninus) plant has almost finished flowering:

Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus caninus)

Aloe (not Aloe vera) flowers, which are a favorite of the hummingbirds:

Aloe Flowers

And hibiscus:

Hibiscus

Roses:

Pink Roses

More roses:

White Roses

And for my 10th photo - the arugala (rocket) plants bolted, but, the flowers are so pretty and the butterflies and bees seem to love them:

Arugala (Rocket) Flowers

There are more flowers in the garden and I took pictures of them, too, but, I've reached my limit of ten!  Hope you enjoyed seeing my Ten on the 10th.

Thank you, Joy, for starting this monthly photo theme.  

On Easter Sunday

 

Fish Cutlets

On Easter Sunday morning, I fried the fish cutlets my daughter and I had made the day before and kept in the fridge.

Fish Cutlets Waiting to be Fried

After being fried, the fish cutlets were packed into a container to be taken to our friends' home.  These friends are my late friend A's widower and their two daughters who are now my daughter's friends, as well.  

My daughter had woken up with a migraine headache and I told her we could stay home if she preferred to, but, she took her migraine medications and felt well enough to go.  

On our way there, I stopped to put gas to the car.  Gas at the cheapest gas station in my area was $5.999 per gallon, which in my opinion is as good as $6.00!  Other stations, however, were charging $6.099 and higher per gallon.  Since I budget $50 per month for gas, I put $50 worth of gas to the car and that will have to do!  There was a flower vendor at the gas station, who came up to me to offer bouquets of mixed flowers;  I wasn't planning to buy flowers, so I declined to buy a bouquet for $10.  But, when he then dropped his price to $5, I felt sorry for him, and decided to buy some flowers to take to our friends' house, in addition to the cutlets.

Easter lunch with late friend A's family was lovely.  We were joined by the fiance of one of the girls (whose engagement party we attended at the end of March) and of course, these two:

Sasha (who is curled up on a blanket I crocheted for A)

and 

Winni (curled up next to daughter)

who has grown quite a bit since we last saw him at Christmas:

Winni at Christmas

And here he is, waiting for a belly rub in return for posing for pictures:

Winnie (waiting for a belly rub)

We had samosas (purchased from an Indian restaurant) and the fish cutlets, along with some cheese and crackers for appetizers, chicken biryani, baked ribs, pasta alfredo, cheesy baked potatoes, raita, and salad for lunch, and there was ice cream for dessert.  

We came home around 5:00 p.m. (with a container of leftovers!)  I was just making us a cup of tea when my friend S (not neighbor S) called to ask if we were home and, when I said yes, said she and her husband were on their way!  I set out a plate of cookies for them and was ready to make tea for them, too, but, they were on their way to visit two other friends, so they didn't stay to tea.  Instead, they handed over a bag with our Easter dinner:

Easter Dinner (Compliments of Friend S)

Yellow rice, brinjal moju (eggplant pickle), fish cutlets (!), mutton (goat) curry, mixed vegetable pickle, cashew curry, and fried pappadum. 

I gave friend S a gift that I had bought for her daughter as a New Year's gift that I had not been able to give to her, earlier, and included a gift my daughter had made, as well.  My daughter said that S's daughter had texted her, later, and thanked her for the gifts.

Daughter and I enjoyed friend S's gift of food for our dinner.  There are some leftovers for Monday's lunch, as well.

Later in the evening, I did a load of laundry (which I haven't put away, still).  

It was a lovely Easter Sunday and I was grateful for:

- Gas being available, even at a price.
- Being invited to Easter lunch with late friend A's family and spending time with them
- A safe drive there and back
- Friend S and husband visiting us and bringing us dinner
- Daughter's migraine responded to medications and she felt well enough to enjoy Easter Sunday

My joyful activities included spending time with long-time friends.  I am blessed to have friends who include my daughter and me in their celebrations.

I hope you had a lovely Sunday with family, friends, and loved ones.

On Saturday

 

Saturday Lunch Compliments of Neighbor S and Her Mother

On Saturday, daughter woke up early,  did her laundry, and started making the fish cutlets we've been asked to bring to Easter lunch at our friends' house on Sunday.  She boiled the potatoes and made the mixture using canned tuna since we didn't have any canned mackerel.  I got to taste test the mixture and suggested adding a bit more salt, curry powder, and some ketchup to the mixture to get the taste just right.  Then, I helped her to scoop up the mixture and roll them into little balls, dip them in beaten eggs and coat them with bread crumbs.  We made 82 cutlets.  We set aside the majority of the cutlets to be fried in the morning before we take them to our friends, but, decided to fry 10 cutlets for our brunch and to do a taste test.

But, just before I started to fry the cutlets, neighbor S called me.  Her mother had fried tilapia fillets and would we like to have some and also some Easter eggs they had made?  I accepted the offer, gratefully, and quickly fried 12 cutlets to give to her in return.  She brought us a whole feast!  Plates with tilapia (hidden under all the herbs), rice, half a tomato, a boiled egg each, some sort of grated pickled root vegetable, tzatziki, a piece of Armenian cheese on one of the plates, bread, two puff pastries filled with lentils (the lentil filling was delicious), and dessert (chocolates and baklava)!  

We had cutlets and the puff pastries for brunch.  Then, daughter took a nap and I watched some online videos and the evening news.  

We had the tilapia and rice, etc., that neighbor S brought us for dinner.

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Making the fish cutlets with my daughter
- Neighbor S bringing us a delicious meal
- Being able to give neighbor S some of the cutlets we made
- Pleasant weather (a high of 85F)
- Electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, etc.

Saturday's joyful activities included exchanging food gifts with my neighbor.

Plans for Sunday include frying the cutlets and going to our friends' house for Easter.

I wish all my blog readers, who celebrate Easter, a very happy Easter. 

A Busy Day on Friday

 

In the Rose Garden

We had a busy day on Friday.  Daughter had the day off from work and we had planned to go to the botanical gardens, again.  Daughter had gifted me (and herself) with a dual annual membership, last year, as I had so enjoyed my previous visit to the botanical gardens last November.  We couldn't go earlier because I was experiencing sciatica flare ups and other health issues.  But, I'm feeling better now and so, we decided to visit.

So, on Friday, we packed a lunch (roast beef sandwiches, tangerines, bottles of flavored water and plain water) and set off to visit the gardens.  I will do a separate post about it, but we spent about an hour enjoying the botanical garden, as one hour of walking (with short breaks to sit for a few minutes) is about the extent of my stamina,, these days.

In the end, we decided to come home and eat, so, we brought our packed lunch home and enjoyed it in the comfort of our home.  

After lunch, I showed daughter how to sew hooks and eyes on her dress and she finished sewing her dress.

Daughter's New Dress

She was still putting some final touches to her dress when her friend V arrived to spend the evening.  I had tidied the living room and dining area, on Thursday, and daughter had vacuumed Thursday evening, in anticipation of V's visit, so the front rooms were company ready.  They chatted and played some games for the next three hours or so.  

M also arrived to tend to the garden and he brought us an Easter treat:

Cupcakes

M was happy to hear that we had visited the botanical gardens again.  

Daughter and I had tortillas with beef curry and cucumber salad for dinner and shared a cupcake for dessert.

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- A lovely day filled with fun activities and pleasant company
- A safe drive to the botanical gardens and back
- An enjoyable visit to the botanical gardens
- The sound of laughter as daughter and her friend chatted and played their games
- M's help with the garden and an Easter treat

Friday's joyful activities included spending time at the botanical gardens.

Plans for Saturday include making Sri Lankan fish cutlets.  Daughter and I have been invited to Easter lunch by our friends and when we asked if they'd like us to bring something, we were asked to bring cutlets!  LOL.  I am going to make them with canned tuna, this time, because I don't have canned mackerel on hand.  

How was your Friday?  What are your plans for Saturday?

April Grocery Shopping- Part 1

I put in an order for groceries last night (Wednesday) as that's when the new week's grocery prices go into effect and I've learned that waiting to get the specials often means that they are likely to be out of stock by that time!

I was also very careful to specify either "No substitutions" when I was ordering the sale items or lowest priced item (usually store brand) on the regular priced items or choosing a specific substitution (for example, if the gallon sized container of store brand vinegar, which was marked low in stock, was not available, then, substitute the 64 fl. oz. container of  store brand vinegar and not a gallon of brand name vinegar that was higher priced). 

Some of the items I ordered were items I was running low on and had written down on the list I keep on the fridge door (soy sauce, sesame oil, baking powder, etc.).  I have heard the phrase, "Two are one and one is none" when it comes to stocking the pantry, but, I don't always follow that rule, especially when it comes to items that last a long time.  As a result, I was rather shocked to realize that I was almost out of baking powder when I went to bake the banana bread on Tuesday night and didn't have a spare can in the cabinet.  Other items were stocking up items as they were on sale or I had a coupon.

The items were delivered this afternoon and there were no substitutions.

Here's the receipt:

---

Order Summary

Original Item Total$79.99

Item Coupons/Sales-$21.99

Fulfillment Fee+$0.00

Other Fees+$0.30

Sales Tax+$1.23

Order Total$59.53

---

Item Details

16 Items

BOOST Original Ready to Drink Chocolate Protein Shake Multipack, 6 pk / 8 fl oz$12.98

2 x $6.49 $12.99 each

CA Redem Val$0.60

1 x $0.60 each

Fresh Bunch of Bananas – 5-7 Bananas, 1 bunch$2.33

3.37 lbs x $0.69 each (approx.)

Fresh Ripe Whole Pineapple, 1 ct$1.99

1 x $1.99 $3.99 each

Kikkoman® Soy Sauce, 20 fl oz$6.49

1 x $6.49 each

Kroger® 100% Pure Vegetable Oil, 48 fl oz$0.00

1 x $0.00 $4.49 each

Kroger® Baking Powder, 8.1 oz$2.99

1 x $2.99 each

Kroger® Distilled White Vinegar, 1 gal$4.49

1 x $4.49 each

Kroger® Handmade Style Burrito Size Flour Tortillas, 8 ct / 20 oz$1.99

1 x $1.99 $2.49 each

Kroger® Less Sodium Soy Sauce, 10 fl oz$2.49

1 x $2.49 each

Kroger® Pure Baking Soda, 16 oz$2.38

2 x $1.19 each

Kroger® Pure Sesame Oil, 7.5 fl oz$5.29

1 x $5.29 each

Kroger® White Sandwich Bread, 20 oz$1.99

1 x $1.99 each

Sparkling Ice® Summer LTO Lemonade Variety Pack (Pack of 12), 12 ct / 17 fl oz$11.99

1 x $11.99 $13.99 each

---

Other Fees

$0.30

Bag Fee$0.30

3 x $0.10 each

---

I spent a total of $59.53.

The protein drinks were practically half off with a digital coupon and while I don't always drink it, I paid full price for it when I had the tooth extraction and couldn't have solids for a few days.  I have more dental work to come and I thought I'll take advantage of the sale price and stock up a bit.  

The vegetable oil was free with a "Best Customer" coupon and while I still have an unopened bottle of vegetable oil in the pantry, I was not going to turn down a free bottle of oil!

I bought some fruit, but, didn't buy any vegetables because I'm picking more kale and leafy greens from the garden than we can eat and I've some frozen okra and moringa from last year's garden, as well.

My April grocery budget is $250 - $3.70 March overspend = $246.30

Total spent to date = $59.53

Balance remaining = $246.30 - $59.53 = $186.77

As always, I am grateful for:

- Being able to order groceries online
- Being able to have the groceries delivered
- The availability of groceries
- Sales, coupons, and special offers
- Being able to fill in the gaps in the pantry

What do you think?  Have you done any grocery shopping in April yet?  

Starting April

 

Dr. Huey Roses

The Dr. Huey rose plants are among the most commonly used rootstock roses to graft hybrid tea roses on to as they are very hardy.  In my garden, I have at least six Dr. Huey rose plants happily growing after the hybrid tea roses died out.  M doesn't much care for them and they bloom only once in the year, but, I love them because they are so hardy!  

Being the first of the month, I made milkrice and seeni sambol (a spicy onion relish) for brunch.  I also dusted the living room and picked some fresh flowers to bring indoors:

White Gladioli

M was here to tend to the garden in the afternoon.  Even though we had a shower of rain on Tuesday night (the forecast had said 0.1 inch of rain was expected, but we actually received 0.31 inches!), he watered the garden as the rain hadn't been enough  He also did some weeding and I asked him to prune some of the euphorbia tirucalli plant that was crowding out the nectarine tree.  Finally we transplanted one of the gazania plants that was growing in a pot in the backyard, to one of the front garden beds.  I am hoping that it will grow well there and I'll get more gazania plants in the front.  I used to have gazanias growing in the parkway at one time, but, they died over time.

M enjoyed a slice of the banana bread I had baked on Tuesday evening to use up some very ripe bananas:

Banana and Walnut Bread

Daughter and I had already enjoyed slices of it on Tuesday night while it was still warm from the oven.  We had more banana bread today, too.

In the evening, after a cup of tea, I drove daughter to the Mall where she was meeting two friends to see a movie.  I just dropped her off and came home; one of her friends gave daughter a ride home afterwards.

I spent a quiet evening, watching the news and a few online videos.  After dinner (rice, beef curry, cucumber salad), I did the dishes, wiped down the kitchen counters, and ordered groceries to be delivered on Thursday afternoon.  This time, I was careful to specify which items I didn't want substituted and on those items that I OK'd for substitution, I chose the specific item with which to substitute.  Let's see how that works out.

On the first day of April, I was grateful for:

- The start of a new month

- M's help with the garden
- Water (and some rain) for the garden
- Daughter was able to get together with her friends
- Being able to order groceries online

Wednesday's joyful activities included spending time in the garden.

How was your Wednesday?  Are you excited to start a new month?  

Dr. Huey Red Rose

March Photo Challenge: Drinks

The theme for this month's photo challenge, hosted by Eileen at A Bracelet of Days was "Drinks" (which I had the pleasure of choosing).

Here are my drinks:

Water

Flavored Carbonated Water

Faluda - from the Sri Lankan restaurant

Faluda - Homemade with my homemade rose syrup

Lemonade - from homegrown lemons

Rose Lemonade - with homemade rose syrup 

Passionfruit Nectar

My Cup of Tea

Daughter's Coffee

Thank you Eileen for hosting the monthly photo challenge.  As always, I enjoyed participating in it.