Twas the Night Before the Almsgiving

Almsgiving Preparations Check List

And almost all the items on the Almsgiving Preparations List that have to be done before the actual day of the almsgiving been checked off:

The house has been vacuumed and tidied;  the living room furniture was rearranged (thank you, daughter)

The serving dishes and all the other items required for the almsgiving have been taken down from the cabinets, washed, and kept ready (again, thank you, daughter) 

Groceries were ordered and picked up (on Thursday).'

On Friday, I picked up friend R who came to help with the cooking.  All the curries on the menu have been cooked, ready to be warmed up on Saturday morning.  

Friend R will come in the morning to help with the last minute preparations.

Of course, all the planning in the world can't prevent last minute glitches.  Both my cousin and daughter's friend who had said they will come to the almsgiving called today to let us know that they will not be coming because they have come down with something.  I am sorry they are not well, but, also, very thankful that they are staying home if they are ill!  M called to say he was having some battery issues with his truck and would not be able to come today.  Of course, I said it was okay, but I had planned to ask him to sweep up the front walkway and now, it won't get done unless I find time to do it tomorrow morning.  But, worst of all, I got impatient with my daughter when she asked where something was and snapped at her, which was not very nice of me.  ("It's where it always has been"...except it wasn't!  I had moved it during the living room painting and had not put it back!)  Later, I apologized and she was quick to forgive, but, I'm very sorry that I snapped at her.  She has been so helpful, too. 

Today, I am grateful for:

- Daughter's help with getting the house tidied and the almsgiving prep
- Friend R's help with the food preparations
- Getting all the advance prep done

- Daughter being so ready to forgive me for snapping at her

- A restful evening.

Today's joyful activities was preparing for the almsgiving.

I've a long list of things to do on Saturday morning, but, friend R will be coming to help.  And daughter will help, too.

I hope you've had a lovely day.  What are your plans for Saturday?