A New Month

Kiribath (Milkrice)

On the first day of August, I decided to greet the new month with kiribath or milkrice, which is a traditional breakfast we prepare for festive occasions, for New Year's Day, and, often, on the first of the month.  To go with it, I cooked a mackerel curry, using canned mackerel and tomatoes from my garden.

Mackerel Curry

Before I ate my breakfast, however, I offered a portion of the milkrice at the home altar, lit a stick of incense and a candle, and said some prayers. 

Then, I called the Temple and booked the date for my almsgiving in December.  This is probably the earliest I've called to book the date, but, last year, I waited until later to call and I couldn't get a day in the early part of the month.  I found myself hosting the almsgiving on December 23 and getting stressed because I was trying to prepare for the almsgiving while trying to get Christmas gifts ready!  Fortunately, my daughter was home to help, but, I felt like I couldn't really enjoy either event. This year, my almsgiving is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th (I was hoping to have it on Sunday, December 8, but, the monks had another engagement already booked for that day!).  I also inquired about participating in this Saturday's prayer service and volunteered to co-sponsor it (be one of the people bringing flowers and juice for offering and refreshments for the participants).  I have been feeling in need of special prayers and I want to also give thanks for my daughter's safety and well-being.

After brunch, I looked into various activities I can do this month for outings and relaxation.  I don't want to crowd my calendar with a lot of places to go and things to do, especially with three doctors' appointments scheduled for this month, but, I did enjoy visiting the Autry Museum and the Japanese Garden, in July.  

In the evening, I started on the dusting and I vacuumed.  I also sprayed the living room sofas, changed the dust sheets on the family room sofas, flea combed Dancer, cleaned his litter box, and did two loads of laundry.

One of the items I laundered today was a crocheted blanket given to me, by a cancer aid group, when I was undergoing chemo.  I have put it aside to be donated as I have plenty of blankets I have crocheted and knitted myself; it is time to let it go on to keep someone else warm.  It is my intention to declutter 31 items this month.

All in all, I think it was a good day and a good start to the new month.  My joyful activities today included making and offering the milkrice, looking into fun activities to do this month, and scheduling the almsgiving.

Today, I am grateful for:

- What I was able to accomplish, today

- Tomatoes picked fresh from the garden

- Comforting rituals

- I was able to schedule my almsgiving, well in advance

- Cooler temperatures in the evening

Friday's To Do List:

- Finish dusting

- Clean the bathrooms

- Do the dishes and clean the kitchen

- Have M tend to the garden

How was your day?  What have you planned for Friday?