Monday

Mother

Today, October 18, is the 101st anniversary of my mother's birth.  I have written about her in previous years, so, all I'll say here is that she was a wonderful mother to me.  I visited her grave this afternoon and, after saying a prayer or two for her, I sang Happy Birthday to her.  LOL.  She would have appreciated it!  She liked to celebrate birthdays.

I didn't order any flowers from the grocery store to take to the cemetery, partly because I know she would have preferred flowers from the garden.  Unfortunately, this year, there weren't many roses in bloom, only one small white rose.  But, I managed to put together a small mixed bouquet with some stems of moringa flowers, the blue plumbago from the plants she persuaded M to obtain for her when they were out and about one day (M still talks about that experience), a couple of cosmos flowers (out of the frame of the picture; she loved cosmos and grew them in the garden), and some greenery from the garden. 

Mixed Bouquet of Garden Flowers

The cemetery isn't that far from my house and I think I might have the answer to where the coyotes that occasionally wander in my neighborhood come from:

Sign at the Cemetery

 

This sign is posted every few feet along the driveways at the cemetery!

It had rained early in the morning (while I was still sleeping), even though the forecast had not mentioned any rain!  The rest of the day was partly cloudy and partly sunny.  The high was 66F, but, it felt warmer in the sunshine!

I had picked up the groceries before I went to the cemetery.  They had most of what we had ordered; the only item they didn't have were the shirataki noodles that my daughter had wanted.  They had substituted a name brand butter for the store brand that was advertised, but, since they charged me the same amount, I am happy with the substitution!  I will probably do another post about the groceries, but, in brief, I stocked up on chicken, baking supplies, coffee for my daughter, and my total came to $142.95.  

Dinner: Compliments of Neighbor S!

Yesterday was neighbor S's mother's birthday and this evening, S brought us dinner!  Rice, barbecue, hummus, marinated/pickled vegetables, and two pieces of her homemade gata!  Daughter and I enjoyed our dinner (and we'll enjoy the leftovers, tomorrow).  I know I keep saying this, but, I have been blessed with some lovely neighbors.  

Today, I am grateful for:

- My mother, for the years I had with her, for the memories, for being able to visit her grave

- My daughter, for all the many ways she shows her love and caring for me
- Neighbor S and her family for being some of the best neighbors and friends
- The availability of groceries and being able to buy them
- Being able to pick up groceries curbside

Today's joyful activity was chatting with cousin V who called to say she remembered my mother with a special prayer.  That meant a lot to me.  

Plans for tomorrow include cooking the chicken I didn't get around to cooking, today!  

How was your Monday?  What are your plans for tomorrow?