Earth Day Sunday

It was Earth Day on Sunday, but the day was being observed all weekend long!  Here, in Southern California, a freeway was closed to traffic so that people could run a race and several roads were closed to vehicle traffic so that people could cycle through the streets.  I am sure there were other activities, as well, and everyone had lovely warm weather (highs in the upper 80s) in which to enjoy the day!

I had a relaxed morning, watching cooking shows on TV, replying to blog comments, reading, and knitting.  Yes, I have started to knit a sweater with the darker yarn I bought earlier in March:

The yarn bought in March

As usual, I have started with the back; this time, I decided to cast on 61 stitches.  I did a knit 1 purl 1 rib and am knitting up the back in stockinette stitch:

Color changes

Yesterday, I called family and friends.  Today, it was their turn to call me!

Friend R called first.  Yesterday, we had discussed maybe going out to lunch, today.  But, she called in the morning to say she had a headache and so we agreed to go out to lunch on another day.  

Then, there was a text from a different friend R, about the monthly rosary prayer gathering, which she will be hosting next Sunday.  I asked if it will be potluck, but she said no, she will cook.  However, I will take a dessert if I am going.  But I won't know if I will be able to go or not - it all depends on how I feel by the end of the week.  I told her I will call and confirm if I am going, closer to the date.

Shortly after that, friend F called to ask if I will be going to the prayer gathering because she needs a ride.  I told her I am hoping to go, it all depends on how I feel, but I'd be happy to give her a ride, if I am going.  

Neighbor T called a little later in the morning and we chatted a bit.  During our conversation, she said she didn't expect anyone to visit her today (I think her daughter usually visits her on Sundays), and she sounded so sad and lonely, that I said I'll pay her a visit this evening, which I did, around 5:00 p.m.  She served me cookies and lemonade and we chatted for about half an hour and she thanked me for coming to visit her.  I hope I eased her loneliness a little.

I also had a call from Cousin V.  I had received the invitation to her son's wedding, in the mail, yesterday, and we discussed the wedding plans a bit.  She will borrow my big ceremonial oil lamp, just as she did when her daughter got married.  

In between phone calls and visiting T I cooked!  I made chicken stock and made a chicken and vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, onions, and a handful of lentils.  I had some of it for my dinner:

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

I cooked a mackerel curry, as well, and I made an egg salad.  I also boiled some beets, which I sliced and seasoned with a little salt and pepper.  Tomorrow morning, I will cook the broccoli.  I will keep a portion of what I cooked and take the rest to my aunt.  All cousin N will need to do is cook some rice  and there will be enough food for them for several meals.   

I also watered the front garden, cleaned my bathroom, and washed a bunch of pots and pans and dishes!  

Later in the evening, I video chatted with daughter.  She, too, had been busy cooking!  She made an apple tart to take to a potluck at her office and she made a roast chicken.

Today, I am grateful for:

- A warm, sunny day

- Being able to visit neighbor T and keep her company for a bit

- Phone calls from family and friends

- Being able to cook a few dishes to take to my aunt

- Video chatting with my daughter

How was your Sunday?  Did you do anything to observe Earth Day?