On Saturday

 

Trees in the Park

On Saturday morning, I slept in while daughter joined some of her friends to do a virtual escape room.

In the afternoon, we went to daughter's goddaughter's birthday party which was held at a park.  There were at least two other parties being held at the same park, but, daughter's friend had chosen a nice shady area away from the other groups.  It was 93F outside, but, there was a nice breeze and it felt quite comfortable. The party was from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., but, we were told to feel free to arrive and leave any time we liked.  So, we got there around 2:30 p.m. and stayed until it ended.  Several of daughter's friends attended the party and it was nice to see them chat and interact.  I've known some of these kids since daughter was in 4th grade and it's a joy to see them as young adults.  

We were told to take plates of food home because they had bought too much food, so, that took care of dinner.  

We relaxed after we came home and daughter took a nap.  I watered the backyard and picked a few more plums.  

On Saturday, I am grateful for:

- Being invited to and being able to attend Baby E's birthday party
- A nice outing and a pleasant Saturday afternoon
- A safe drive there and back
- Daughter's group of friends
- Leftovers to bring home for dinner

Saturday's joyful activity was spending the afternoon in the park, enjoying the party, good food and pleasant company.

Plans for Sunday include a quick shopping trip to the computer store and crafts store in the morning and a family get together at my cousin's place in the afternoon.

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

The Weekend and Beyond

 

Lamb
Crocheted by Daughter

On Saturday, my daughter finished crocheting and assembling an amigurumi lamb for her friend's younger daughter and then, she crocheted a small teddy bear for the older daughter, so she wouldn't feel left out:

Teddy Bear

And made a card:

Card
(top cropped to hide name)

While she was busy, I did some sewing.  I had hoped to finish my sewing project on Saturday, but, I couldn't.  I really should have started on it, earlier, but, I was busy working on another sewing project which also took longer than I had thought:

New Sari Blouse

When I wore my sari to my late friend A's daughter's graduation, last month, I realized that, since I had lost some weight, the old sari blouse was too big!  I managed to temporarily fix it with safety pins, but, it was very obvious to me that I needed a new sari blouse.  So, I used some of the purple fabric I had recently purchased during the store closing sale and sewed myself a new sari blouse.  It involved a bit of trial and error as I needed to draft a new pattern and I couldn't get my dart points to meet, and I struggled with the sleeves, pinning them inside out and back to front, etc.  I am happy with the end result (even if the dart points are still uneven), but, it took longer than I had thought, which meant I didn't have enough time to work on the other project.  So, rather than rush and make mistakes, I decided to finish it later to be given as a birthday gift, later this month.

In addition to sewing, I did two loads of laundry, cleaned the bathtub, made fried rice for brunch, put back a couple of items in the living room (a table lamp as the room has no ceiling lights or wall lights, and a resin statue of a Bodhisattva that my sister had gifted to me many years ago), made a smoked sausage stir fry for dinner, made another "lazy" peach cobbler for dessert, called Aunt C and friend R to check on them, and ran the dishwasher.  And watched the TV coverage of the protests against ICE raids as they developed in downtown Los Angeles.  

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Time spent working on craft projects 
- Working appliances
- Electricity to run the appliances
- Phone calls with family and friends
- Fresh peaches

Saturday's joyful activity was sewing and spending time with my daughter.

Church Interior

On Sunday, we were up early to go to my daughter's friend's baby's baptism.  My daughter and the baby's mother have been friends since high school and my daughter was one of the bridesmaids at her friend's wedding.  Her friend had asked my daughter to be her younger daughter's godmother and my daughter felt very honored by the request.  We had been asked to be at the church by 9:15 a.m. and we got there well before 9:00 a.m. and I sat at the back of the church and listened to the choir rehearse while we waited. 

The baby wore a white dress that my daughter had crocheted for her for the occasion and the service and baptism went well.  The baby looked surprised when the water was poured over her head, but, she didn't cry.  We were invited to lunch at a restaurant, afterwards, but, we declined and came home.

I made us scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for brunch.  Daughter took a nap, afterwards, while I read a few blogs and then, started cooking some of the things I wanted to send back with daughter (beef curry, pepper steak with beef and bell peppers; mixed vegetable stir fry) and watched the news.  For dinner, daughter had leftover sausage stir fry and rice; I had a sandwich with some of the beef I cooked.

On Sunday, I was grateful for:

- Being invited to attend the baby's baptism
- Some social activity
- A safe ride to the church and back
- Another opportunity to wear a sari (with a well-fitting blouse, this time)
- Spending time with my daughter

Sunday's joyful activity was attending the baby's baptism.

On Monday, daughter worked from home.  While she was busy, working, I did a little more cooking.  I made a mallung (cooked shredded greens) with the parsley I had bought, finely shredding the leaves and sauteing the shredded leaves with onions, grated coconut, green chilies, minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice.  Then, I made dhal with red lentils.  I froze most of it for my daughter to take back with her.  We had some of it for a late lunch, with freshly cooked rice and fresh peaches for dessert.

In the evening, after daughter finished work, I dropped her off at the airport.  On the way home, I put gas to the car.  I put just over 10 gallons and it came to $45.22.  After I came home, I did a load of laundry, ran a cleaning cycle on the washing machine, took the trash cans to the curb for pick up on Tuesday morning, and spoke with neighbor E, thanking him again for helping with the living room painting.  I also watered the indoor plants and cooked myself a bacon cheeseburger with sweet potato fries for dinner.  

Daughter reached her apartment safely and we chatted a little bit.  She will go into the office on Tuesday and maybe go to the grocery store afterwards to pick up some half and half for her coffee and a couple of other items.  

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- Daughter had a safe flight and ride back to her apartment
- I was able to send some cooked food and fresh peaches back with her
- A safe drive to the airport and back
- Gas for the car

- Fresh peaches

Monday's joyful activity was cooking food for daughter to take back with her.

Tuesday's To Do List:

- Bring in the emptied trash cans

- Pick up medication refill from the pharmacy
- Go to the bank

- Do another load of laundry, including my bed sheets

- Remake my bed

- Put away laundry

- Water the garden

- Look up driving directions to the specialist's appointment on Wednesday

- Pay bills/paperwork & filing

How was your weekend?  Did you have a good day on Monday?  What are your plans for Tuesday?

The Weekend Together and Parting on Monday

 

Roses on Saturday

Gardener friend M had been around on Friday evening, when we were attending the graduation ceremonies and he had deadheaded the roses and tended to the garden.

On Saturday morning, I slept in because I had stayed up till 6:00 a.m. and woken up at about 8:00 a.m. with indigestion!  I had taken a couple of antacid tablets before going to bed, but, now, I needed to bring up whatever was causing the indigestion!  After that, I brushed my teeth and went back to bed and slept till noon!  I was fine after that, though.  But, I had some toast with my homemade calamondin marmalade for brunch, just to be safe.

Daughter had made plans to visit with one of her friends and spend the afternoon and evening playing boardgames at her friend's apartment.  So, I dropped her off at her friend's place around 3:00 p.m. and came home.  

I did a little more paperwork and filing after I came home, ran the dishwasher, washed the sari blouse I had worn on Friday. cooked the pork chops I had bought earlier in the week and a fresh pot of rice.  I ate part of a pork chop with the rice for an early dinner without any problems with my digestive system.  I also texted with cousin V (who is recovering from knee surgery) and chatted with friend R.

Much later in the evening, I picked daughter up from her friend's place.  They had ordered dinner from an Italian restaurant, but, daughter had worn her mask throughout the evening, so, they had kept her dinner in the fridge and she brought it home to eat.  She offered to share it with me, but, I declined.  A little later, however, I wanted something for dessert, so I made us some bread pudding.  Two individual containers of bread pudding because I like raisins in mine and daughter doesn't.

Bread Pudding; With and Without Raisins

On Sunday, daughter let me sleep in and not only made her own cup of coffee, but, put my tea to brew.  We spent some time in the morning looking at the pictures she and her friends took on their recent trip to Japan.  There were a lot of pictures as they each forwarded the pictures each one took to the whole group.

In between looking at the pictures, I did two loads of laundry, changed the dust sheets on the living room sofas, dusted the living room and dining area, cleared the dining table, and cleared the big table in the family room.  A (whose graduation we went to on Friday) had invited my daughter to go hiking with her and her sister on Sunday, but, daughter's podiatrist has specifically told her not to even attempt going on a hike before her foot heals more, so, daughter had declined the invitation to hike and had suggested having a paint night at our house, instead, so, I was getting the place tidied up in readiness for their paint night.  But, the plans fell through as A's sister went on a hike by herself and A had some last minute preparations to do to prepare for a summer job she was starting on Monday.

Instead, daughter and I spent an evening relaxing and celebrating Mother's Day that we had delayed celebrating until she came home.  Daughter ordered dinner from our favorite neighborhood Japanese restaurant for a celebratory dinner and we picked it up and brought it home to eat:

Mother's Day Dinner

Unagi donburi (grilled eel on rice, served in a bowl) for daughter, my favorite beef teriyaki (served with rice, salad and pickled vegetables), and sukiyaki.  Each entree came with a bowl of miso soup.  I asked daughter how our neighborhood Japanese restaurant's food compared with the authentic Japanese food she enjoyed on her trip and she said it compared quite favorably, which was nice to hear.  We had fresh strawberries for dessert.  It was a lovely ending to our weekend together.

On Monday, daughter worked from home.  I put water to the back garden, picked the last of the oranges I had been keeping for daughter, some fresh blueberries, and the first of the peaches.  The peaches are not quite ripe yet, but, they are "seasoned" enough to be eaten with a mixture of salt and chili powder and will ripen on the kitchen counter over the next several days.  And being quite firm still, they will travel well packed into a container, without bruising.  Because daughter was scheduled to fly back on Monday evening, after work, and I was sending the oranges, peaches, and blueberries back with her, along with half the bag of red cherries I had bought, some cooked food from the freezer (pork chops, a small package of the spicy beef curry I had cooked, the two remaining slices of pizza from the last frozen pizza I had bought,  a small package of pol sambol, some ham), as well as a few potatoes and a couple of onions.  Enough food for her for this week until she can do some grocery shopping next weekend. 

Daughter's flight was scheduled to leave at 7:30 p.m., but, it was delayed until 8:30 p.m.  However, daughter wanted to be dropped off at the airport early, just in case they decided that the flight would leave on time, after all.  So, I dropped her off at the airport by 5:30 p.m.

I drove to the pharmacy, afterwards, to pick up two of my medications that were ready.  Then, I came home and took the trash cans out to the curb.  I spent the rest of the evening catching up on blog reading and posting blog updates! 

Daughter reached her apartment, safely, and called me.  She said she ate the slices of pizza I gave her for her dinner.  She will cook a pot of rice and pack rice and some of the beef curry I had sent up with her to take to the office for her lunch on Tuesday.  

I had leftover rice and beef teriyaki for my lunch and rice, half a pork chop, and lentils for my dinner.  Peach slices with salt and chili powder for a snack and cherries for dessert.

Peach Tree

I am grateful for:

- Being able to spend this time together with my daughter
- Celebrating Mother's Day a week later with a lovely meal and time spent relaxing with my daughter
- Daughter had a safe flight and ride to her apartment from the airport
- Daughter was able to spend some time connecting with her friends 
- Being able to send some food home with daughter

Joyful activities have included spending time with my daughter and enjoying a lovely meal with her.

Plans for Tuesday include taking Dancer to the vet clinic for his injection.  

How was your weekend and Monday?  What are your plans for Tuesday?

Graduation Celebrations on Friday

Youth Triumphant Fountain 

On Friday, my daughter and I attended my late friend A's younger daughter's graduation with a Master's in Educational Counseling.  The graduate, whose name also starts with A, worked full time as a teacher while studying for her Masters and I know her mother would have been so proud of her achievement.  

A, her father, and sister, offered to pick us up on their way to the graduation ceremony and we accepted the offer gratefully, as it meant I didn't have to drive and find parking, etc., since A had validated parking on campus.  The graduation ceremony was scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. and we were being picked up around 2:30 p.m., but, daughter and I were dressed and ready by 2:00 p.m.

A and family picked us up a little after 2:30 p.m. and we must have hit every traffic snag on the way!  We barely made it to the event on time, arriving at the parking structure at 4:25 p.m.!  Then, we still had to make our way from the parking structure to the quad where the ceremony was being held, outdoors under a huge tent.  The line of graduates was starting to enter the tent when we got there, but, A was still able to join the line and walk in while we found seats at the very end of the tent.  I found the commencement speeches to be very inspiring and it was a pleasure to see the graduates walking to receive their diplomas and at the very end, the university's marching band played.  

After the ceremony, there was a reception, also held outdoors, with live music.  They served a buffet style meal of salad, grilled chicken skewers, eggplant and marinated red pepper sandwiches, individual bags of chips, and three kinds of cookies - chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and snickerdoodles.  There was lemonade (and water) to drink.  Daughter and I found a bench in a fairly secluded area in the garden where the reception was being held and we felt comfortable enough to pull down our masks to enjoy our meal.  We sat there and waited for a while and then, went with A to take some pictures.

The Trojan Shrine aka "Tommy Trojan"

And the University's mascot, Traveler:

Traveler - the Mascot

Afterwards, we all went out to dinner at a restaurant in Downtown L.A.  A had asked if we'd mind going to a restaurant after the graduation and we had said we wouldn't mind at all, in fact, we'd love to be there to help celebrate her graduation, but, we would not be eating at the restaurant.  And that's what we did.  Daughter and I kept our masks on while we were there and the others had their meal.  At first, we weren't going to order any food, but, A and family insisted that we ordered our food to go, and so, we did.  Daughter ordered salmon and I ordered steak and shrimp ravioli.  The restaurant was nice, but, the music was a bit too loud!  We couldn't hear each other talking!  

Light Fixture in the Lobby

It was past 11:00 p.m. when we got home, so, it had been a fairly long day out for us.  After we came home, we had a little bit of the dinner we had brought home from the restaurant and relaxed.

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to be there for my late friend's daughter's graduation
- Being invited to attend the ceremony
- Getting a ride there and back
- Spending time with friends
- A lovely day out

Friday's joyful activity was attending A's graduation.

On Sunday: A Birthday, Rain, and Earthquakes

 

Berry Cup

On Sunday, we celebrated daughter's birthday with a meal from our favorite Italian restaurant (curbside pick up which we brought home to eat) and some cakes and treats from our favorite local pastry shop.  Daughter selected the above dessert from the pastry shop - a waffle cone coated with chocolate, filled with cake and pastry cream and topped with fresh berries.  I picked a fresh fruit tartlet.

Daughter didn't want a party, but, there were birthday wishes from her friends and family and a visit from one of her friends.

In the evening, there was a very welcome shower of rain, which didn't last long, but, there's more rain in the forecast.  

Later, there was a 3.9 magnitude earthquake, which was not as welcome as the rain!  The epicenter was fairly close to where we live and we definitely felt it.  Fortunately, is was not a big earthquake and nothing fell or broke in the house.  

On Sunday, I was grateful for:

- My daughter
- Being able to celebrate her birthday with her
- The earthquake wasn't a big one and there was no damage
- The shower of rain we received
- A delicious meal and desserts

Sunday's joyful activity was celebrating my daughter's birthday with her.

Fruit Tartlet

Plans for Monday include taking my daughter to her physical therapy appointment.

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

Happy New Year: 2025

New Year's Breakfast Compliments of Friend S

Happy New Year, everyone.  May your new year be abundantly blessed!

Boiling Milk Until it Overflows = Abundance

As the New Year was rung in, I lit the stove for the first time in the new year and boiled a pot of milk until it overflowed to signify abundance.  There is rice boiling in the pot on the back burner to make milkrice.

This morning, my Sri Lankan friend S and her husband brought over the platter of milkrice and other Sri Lankan New Year treats.  They didn't stay long because they were on their way to deliver a platter of food to friend R, as well, before S had to go to work.  But, I was able to give them their Christmas/New Year's gift as well as the gift my daughter made for their daughter.  

In the afternoon, I watered the front garden and portions of the back garden.  I picked three more pineapple guavas (feijoa) and some lemons.

New Year's Resolutions/Goals/Aspirations:

Once again, instead of resolutions, I am going to keep to the goals and aspirations I've had for the past couple of years which are:

Better Health:  I aspire to attain better health by doing the various things I know I need to do, which are:
- attend medical appointments
- do the various tests my medical team wants me to
- continue to take my prescribed medications
- attain a healthier weight
- maintain my blood sugar levels
- increase my stamina and strength through exercising more  

Better Time Management:  I aspire to manage my time better, by being mindful of how I spend my time, prioritizing what needs to be done, and procrastinating less. 

Being More Organized:  I aspire to being more organized in my daily life, with established routines and a tidy house.

Living a Well Balanced Life:  I aspire to live a balanced life, by paying attention to all the different areas of my life.

Word of the Year

My 2024 Word of the Year was Promptly.  I chose this word because I tend to procrastinate too much and that, in turn, impacts many other aspects of my life!  I am afraid that I wasn't as prompt as I had hoped to be and still procrastinated quite a bit.  

However, it's a new year and a new beginning.  So, I will choose a new word of the year: THRIVE

Today, on the first day of the new year, I am grateful for:

- A new year and a new beginning
- Friends bringing New Year treats
- Water for the garden
- Fresh fruit from the garden
- A sunny and warm day

Today's joyful activity was celebrating the New Year.

Plans for tomorrow include doing some sewing, cooking, tidying, and cleaning.  

How was your New Year's Day?  What are your plans for tomorrow?

Oranges and Lemons

New Year's Eve 2024

 

Sunset on New Year's Eve

I watched the sunset on New Year's Eve.  Tomorrow's sunrise will be the dawn of not only a new day, but, also, a new year!

I stayed up till after 5:00 a.m. this morning, and woke up a little after 10:00 a.m.  My daughter slept in, which was good, because she needs to rest and recover.  She did a Covid test, last night, and it was negative; she didn't take one, today.  She has been staying in her room with the door closed and she wears a mask when she comes out of her room to go to the bathroom and sprays the hallway with Lysol disinfectant each time.  I'm leaving her coffee and food outside the door on a stool and she takes it in, then, leaves the empty dishes outside the door for me to collect.  We've been texting each other throughout the day.  

I brought in the trash cans, aired the house, changed the dust sheets on the family room sofas, did a couple of loads of laundry including the old dust sheets and bath mats, etc., made turkey and vegetable soup for dinner, and tried to comfort poor Dancer who is very unhappy about daughter being in her bedroom with the door closed and not allowing him in.

Later, I called friend R to check on her.  A friend sent me a lovely e-card to wish me for the New Year and I exchanged a few more emails with another friend.  

I can hear fireworks going off around me in the neighborhood (you wouldn't know that we are in a city where fireworks are illegal) and will be watching the ball drop in New York (obviously a time delay since NY is 3 hours ahead of us).  I plan to boil milk and make milkrice at midnight.

Thank you to everyone who read my blog this year and for all the lovely, kind, and considerate comments you have left.  We haven't met in real life, but, I consider all of you as my friends and look forward to continuing to keep in touch over the coming year, too.  May you all have a blessed 2025 filled with good health and happiness.

Today, I am grateful for:

- Being alive for another year
- The friends I've come to know through my blog
- My daughter being home this New Year's Eve, even if she's a bit under the weather 
- All the blessings this past year has brought me
- Being given the opportunity to look forward to another year

Today's joyful activity was communicating with friends.

See you all in 2025!

Almsgiving 2024

 

Reliquary and Offerings

I held my almsgiving on Saturday, December 28.  The photograph above shows the reliquary (covered with a gold cloth and placed on a lotus shaped cushion) that the monks brought with them from the Temple for the occasion.  On the table in front of it, is a tray of offerings of the meal that was prepared, a candle, an incense stick, and a vase of flowers.

I woke up early on Saturday morning and after having a cup of tea, started on the To Do List I shared in the previous post, going down the items on the list, one by one.  Friend R arrived shortly after 9:00 a.m. and she covered the sofa where the monks will be seated with the white sheets I had kept out for the purpose.  White is the color of purity and it is non-distracting.  Then, she made the salad for me while I put the rice to boil and warmed up the curries.  We had finished all the preparations well before 10:00 a.m., which gave us a little time to relax and for me to change out from the sweatpants and sweatshirt I was wearing to the white long skirt and the cream colored sweater I had set aside to wear for the almsgiving.  Again, white is the color of purity and not only does it not distract ones attention as colors and patterns would, it also minimizes any obvious social distinctions in dress.  

The monks arrived a little before 11:00 a.m. and the ceremony began with offering the tray of food and flowers to the Buddha, lighting the candle and incense stick and chanting blessings.  Followed by the offering of food to the monks.  

Almsgiving 2024

The monks brought their traditional begging bowls; the food is served into the bowl and afterwards, the bowls are washed and returned to the monks to take back to the temple with them.

After they had finished lunch and the coffee table was cleared, they delivered a short sermon about the three kinds of almsgivings - one is giving physical items such as food, robes, medicines, etc., one is giving another being the ability to live safely, without fearing for its life. and the third is the giving of knowledge and wisdom.

Then, there were more chanting, including the recitation of the Ratana (Gems/Jewels) Sutta (a discourse about the three jewels which are the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha) and transferring of merits to those relatives and loved ones who have departed.

The ceremony concluded about 1:00 p.m. and I sent a plate of food to the temple to be given to anyone who might come to the temple needing some food.

Then, we had our lunch and friend R helped me to put away the leftovers and do the dishes (I loaded the dishwasher with some of the dishes, but, there were others that needed to be washed by hand).  

I was just about to take R back to her place, when former neighbor T's daughter K called and asked if we'd be home because she wanted to drop off something and give me an update on her mom.  So, we waited for her and exchanged gifts with her.  The update on T was not that good (she's receiving hospice care) and that made me feel very sad.  

After K left, daughter and I drove R home. 

Then, I did two loads of laundry, did a little ironing, ran the dishwasher, wrapped more gifts to be exchanged tomorrow, and tidied up the place a bit.

Daughter's get together with friends that was scheduled for Sunday has been postponed to a weekend in January because one of them is ill and she didn't want to expose me to anything.  However, late friend A's daughters might come over to use the washer and dryer as their own washing machine has broken.  So, there will still be some visitors on Sunday, just a different set of girls.

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- The almsgiving went very well
- Friend R's help 
- Daughter being able to participate
- The weather being sunny and mild
- T's daughter visiting and giving me an update on T

Saturday's joyful activity was holding the almsgiving.  I am so happy that I was able to do everything.  I am feeling physically tired, but, the tiredness is mitigated by a feeling of joy.

Thank you, everyone, for your participation in the almsgiving by being interested in the ceremony and your kind comments about the proceedings.  

Tis the Night Before the Almsgiving

 

Holiday Gifts

And I finally have some time to post a holiday update!  

We had been invited to Christmas dinner by my late friend A's family, so, in the morning, I baked a peach and blueberry dump cake, using homegrown peaches and blueberries I had frozen.  In the late afternoon, after some discussion about how we were getting there (I had planned to drive us over there and back, but, A's younger daughter wanted to come and pick us up due to a lack of parking spaces at their condo unit; then, while we were waiting for her to pick us up, she called to say that a parking spot had opened up and her dad had parked his car there to reserve the spot, so could we drive ourselves?) I drove us there.  The girls and their father had prepared a lovely meal and we got to meet one girl's boyfriend who entertained us with some magic tricks.  After we came home, I wrapped up the gifts shown above, to take to my cousin's house, the next day.

On Thursday (or Boxing Day as it is known in some countries; it's a regular work day over here), I called the monks to confirm Saturday's almsgiving, then, picked up the groceries I had ordered.  I had received everything I had ordered (including a dozen large eggs for $7.99), but, I had forgotten to order some orange juice to serve at the almsgiving.  So, I put in another order for groceries, ordering a few other items, such as bagels and cold cuts, in addition to the orange juice.  I ordered enough pantry items to bring the total up to qualify me for free pick up.  With daughter staying with me for at least another couple of weeks into January, the pantry items will not go to waste.  

I watered the backyard after I came home.  

In the evening, we went to visit cousin V and her family, including her daughter who had come from New York with her husband and two young sons.  Cousin R (cousin V's sister) joined us, too, and it was nice to see the family.  V's other daughter was not well and V had told her to stay in her room for the duration of the visit because she knows that I am still being extra cautious.  Although V had invited us to an early dinner, I had told her we'll just have a cup of tea and some snacks.  We had the tea and the snacks V had prepared and were considering leaving, when V started making "appa" or "hoppers" as they are also called in English - a type of bowl shaped pancake with a soft spongy center and a thin crisp edge - I couldn't resist!  Both my daughter and I love V's hoppers.  So, we stayed and had dinner, after all!

After we got home, I put away all the Christmas gift wrapping paper and card making supplies and cleared the big table in the family room.

Today (Friday), I picked up the second batch of groceries and picked up my friend R on the way home.  She had offered to come and help me with the almsgiving preparations.  We removed the Christmas dinnerware and the red plaid table cloth from the dining table and set out all the almsgiving plates and dishes, rearranged some of the furniture, got the robot to vacuum, and prepared the last two dishes that needed to be made - the shredded kale "mallung" with grated coconut and turmeric and another peach and blueberry dump cake.  I crossed off all the items on my Almsgiving Schedule that I had listed that needed to be done, today.  Thanks to R being here, we were done by 4:00 p.m.  We exchanged gifts after that and R was very pleased with the blanket I had made for her and the beaded necklace my daughter had made for her.  Afterwards, daughter and I dropped R off at her home.

R has promised to come over in the morning to help with the last minute preparations.  It's her late husband's death anniversary, so, the almsgiving will be given in his name, as well.  

Here's the To Do List for tomorrow:

- Pick flowers from the garden, arrange in vases
- Cut up fruits and arrange in saucers; cover
- Arrange the various sweets in saucers; cover
- Make the salad
- Pour treacle into the sauce boat
- Serve the yogurt into dessert bowls
- Serve the dump cake into dessert bowls
- Cook rice (red rice and white rice)
- Warm up the curries (they are thawing in the fridge)
- Dish up the curries
- Serve the rice and curries to be offered at the altar and the plate to be offered symbolically to the community of monks (not just the monks who will be physically present at the almsgiving)
- Boil a kettle of water and keep hot for the monks who prefer to drink hot water
- Pour out the juice
- Keep warm water in bowls for the monks to wash their hands both before the meal and afterwards

10:45 a.m. - everything should be ready
11:00 a.m. - the monks arrive

After they arrive, the monks will chant some blessings and offer the food to the Buddha and to the community of monks (Sangha).  

Then, the meal will be served to them. The menu has been posted on the fridge door so that we won't forget anything!

They need to finish eating by 12 noon.  After which, they will deliver a short sermon, we will offer the merits accrued by the almsgiving to those family members and loved ones who have departed by pouring water into a bowl until it overflows (there will be a larger bowl to catch the overflow), and then, the monks will chant more blessings.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, I will offer some donations to the monks.

We will have our lunch after they have left and then, I'll do a load of laundry (chair covers, table cloths, napkins, etc.) and drop R at her home.  

Today, I am grateful for:

- Friend R helping me with the almsgiving preparations
- Daughter doing what she can to help
- Being able to order and pick up grocries as needed
- Working appliances
- Celebrating Christmas with family and friends

Joyful activities have included spending time with family and friends; getting ready for the almsgiving.

I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas or are celebrating a joyful Chanukkah.

Ending November

Thanksgiving 2024

Thanksgiving Day was sunny and warm with an afternoon high of 76F.  

I was up at 7:30 a.m. to get the turkey in the oven by 8:15 a.m. and the ham in the oven an hour later.  After the cooking was done, I swept and mopped the kitchen floor, picked some fresh flowers from the garden (chrysanthemums) to place in vases around the house, and opened the windows and doors to air out the house.  My guests were to arrive around 1:30 p.m., but, they texted to let us know that they will be a little late.  They arrived around 2:30 p.m., which gave me some time to just relax.  They brought cornbread to have with our Thanksgiving meal.  Afterwards, I packed up some of the leftovers for them to take home with them.

Daughter bagged up and put away all the leftover food while I rested and took a nap!  I was tired!  Afterwards, I ran the dishwasher and we had ham sandwiches for supper.  

In contrast to the sunny day on Thursday, Friday was overcast and cooler.  I was still a little tired from Thursday, but, did three loads of laundry, emptied the dishwasher and put away the platters, etc., used for the Thanksgiving dinner, and watered some of the fruit trees in the backyard.  

Then, daughter and I did some online Black Friday shopping, taking advantage of the sales to order craft supplies, including lots of yarn!  I had used up most of my yarn stash and some of daughter's yarn stash, as well, so it was a good opportunity to replenish the stash!  We also ordered a couple of holiday gifts.  I know that many people don't like Black Friday shopping, but, I like to take advantage of a sale to buy things that I need (like the holiday gifts) or want (like the craft supplies).

Later in the evening, daughter and I spent a couple of hours working on crafts projects, together.  It was something she had wanted us to do.  I worked on the blanket I have been making for her and she began a new crochet project of her own.  

With the fridge full of leftovers, brunch was ham sandwiches using some of the dinner rolls, and dinner was leftover turkey with all the trimmings.  Pumpkin and pecan pie for dessert, along with tangerines for a snack.

Today, Saturday, is the last day of November.  It has been sunny and warm, once again.  Daughter and I woke up fairly early, but, I took another nap, after my morning cup of tea and prayers!  I guess I was still tired!  I made French toast for brunch after I woke up for the second time.  We will have leftovers for dinner.

Last night, one of the small electric space heaters stopped working, so, today, we did a little more Black Friday shopping and ordered a new electric space heater, a package of socks for me, and a pair of leggings and some T-shirts for my daughter.  

As the month of November comes to an end, I am grateful for:

- Having daughter home this whole month
- Being able to host Thanksgiving dinner
- Leftovers!
- Being able to shop online and get deals on things we need or want
- Working appliances

Joyful activities have included having friends join us for Thanksgiving dinner.

Hope your November ended on a good note, too.

Still Celebrating

Belated Birthday Treats from M

It's been a cooler day, today, with a high of 61F and a low tonight of 46F.  There was some rain in the forecast, and apparently it rained in some areas, but, we didn't get any rain in my area, just cloudy skies.

Today, I went to get my lab tests done in the morning.  This time, I felt like an old pro when it came to paying the parking with a credit card.  LOL.  I came home, afterwards and had a leftover hot dog for brunch.  

In the afternoon, my daughter had a video appointment with the podiatrist to whom her doctor had referred her.  The podiatrist would like to see my daughter in person to physically examine her foot before giving a firm diagnosis (which is how it should be), but, based on the virtual visit, seems to suspect that daughter might have sprained her foot as well as her ankle.  Which would explain why she is still unable to put any weight on her injured foot or walk without her crutches.  Depending on how severe the sprain is, it will take her several weeks to recover.  Daughter is currently trying to get a referral to be seen by a podiatrist down here, rather than go back to the Bay Area if she is still unable to walk.

In the early evening, M arrived to tend to the garden and he brought me belated birthday treats!  Tres leches cake topped with berries, crème brûlée, chocolate cake, and an eclair!  What a wonderful treat!  He also brought me more succulents for the garden, which we planted in the front.  Daughter and I enjoyed some of the treats after our dinner of leftover Thai food.

Today, I am grateful for:

- More birthday treats!
- M bringing me more succulents for the garden
- Medical insurance and access to medical care
- A safe drive to the clinic for the lab tests and back
- A warm house

Today's joyful activity was enjoying some of the treats M brought us!

Plans for the weekend include catching up on some housework and doing some crafts.  

How was your Friday?  What are your plans for the weekend?

Birthday Celebrations

 

Birthday Doughnuts

Birthday celebrations started the night before when Neighbor S brought over dinner (hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, fruit, and desserts) and a gift.  On the morning of my birthday, neighbor S's daughter N brought me birthday doughnuts, complete with lit candles, for breakfast!  My daughter ordered Thai food for lunch and my friend R got us Mexican food and suddenly, there was a feast spread out on the table, with enough food for lunch and dinner and leftovers for at least another couple of days!

Birthday Feast

There were cards, phone calls, emails, and messages from family and friends (including blog friends), wishing me well.  Each one made me feel blessed.   

In the afternoon, I picked up some groceries and after tea, I took a nap.  

Later, after dinner (leftovers!), I took the trash cans out to the curb, did the dishes, etc., before going to sleep.  Daughter asked me if I had a good birthday and I told her, quite truthfully, that I did.  

On my birthday, I was grateful for:

- Being alive to celebrate another birthday
- Having my daughter home to celebrate with me
- For well wishes from family and friends
- Being another year older (and, hopefully, wiser!)
- Each day's blessings

My joyful activity was celebrating the day with my daughter, family, and friends.

Today, I spent a rather relaxed day, pondering various things, reflecting on my life up to now and considering how I want to live the rest of my life, however long or short that might be. 

Opening Ceremonies on Friday

 

Evening Clouds

The 2024 Olympics Games Opening Ceremonies were held on Friday.  Due to the time difference, live coverage of the Opening Ceremonies began at 10:30 a.m., with a repeat broadcast during prime time, starting at 7:30 p.m.  When possible, I like to watch live coverage of such events, so, although I had stayed up till 6:00 a.m., I woke up early to watch the live coverage.  I enjoyed watching it, but, felt sorry for everyone getting rained on!

A couple of days ago, when I was walking in the driveway, I saw the grey clouds pictured above, and I wondered if we might get some rain, but, we didn't.  Some rain would have been welcome because then, I wouldn't have had to water the garden!  Homegrown fruits and vegetables are lovely, but, they require regular watering!  Currently, I am watering the garden three times a week and my most recent water bill shows it!  So, on Friday, when M was here to tend to the garden, I told him to skip watering the front garden.  I will cut back to watering it twice a week.   

Brunch was leftover pancakes with blueberry compote.  Dinner was leftover chicken and vegetables, with a newly sauteed potato.  Snacks included nectarines, a piece of love cake (made around Christmas/New Year's and frozen), and tortilla chips.

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremonies on TV
- M's help with the garden
- Garden produce (even with high water bills to pay)
- Working appliances
- Being able to borrow books from the library

Friday's joyful activity was watching the Opening Ceremonies.  

No big plans for Saturday.  I'll probably watch some of the Olympics, do laundry and some house cleaning.  

Did you watch the Olympics Opening Ceremonies?  What are your plans for Saturday?

Still Celebrating

Friday Night Dinner

Thursday night's concert and fireworks display was exciting and that excitement meant I couldn't fall asleep until 5:30 a.m. on Friday!  As a result, I slept all morning on Friday!

In the afternoon, daughter tidied up the house and I dusted and vacuumed, as we had invited my late friend A's family to dinner.  The afternoon was quite warm with the high being 97F ("feels like 99F" according to the weather report) and I must admit that I found it tiring (in contrast, today, Saturday, the high was 87F and I've felt quite comfortable).  Yesterday reminded me why I generally don't entertain in the summer!  It's just too hot!  But, with daughter helping me, we got all the dinner preparations done.  

M was here in the evening to tend to the garden and he watered and weeded and planted the raspberry canes in a wooden box a tree had been delivered to one of his other clients.  I had made some peach lemonade and M enjoyed a glass of it before he left.  

Our friends arrived shortly after 8:00 p.m. and the house had cooled off to a fairly comfortable level, with two stand fans set up in the living room and the doors and windows open.  

I served tortilla chips and potato chips as a snack and everyone opted for the peach lemonade instead of the sparkling apple cider that was also offered.  

When it was time for dinner, one of A's daughters said a lovely prayer of thanksgiving for friendship, for gathering together, remembering those who were no longer present and times past and looking forward to continuing friendships in the future, and I said a few words of remembrance of my friend.  

For dinner, we had rice, chicken curry, cashew curry, dhal, sauteed green beans (which my daughter cooked), and homemade tomato chutney.  I had prepared a spicy sauteed potato dish, too, but, I had kept it in the fridge and we forgot all about it until after dinner was over and our friends had left!  Oops!  I don't have an automatic ice dispenser in my fridge/freezer and the tray of ice I had made was buried under bags of frozen blueberries and peaches.  So, we put several bottles of water to cool and just kept the bottles on the table.  I had stacked the plates at one end of the table and kept the flatware near the plates; the girls then placed the plates on the table and put the flatware on the plates.  We didn't pull the table out from the wall and the three girls sat in a row on one side.  Everyone enjoyed the meal and we had  two flavors of ice cream for desser. 

Afterwards, I served some of the leftovers into containers (old yogurt containers that I had saved), added a new jar of tomato chutney, and gave them to take home.  I told them that I didn't need the containers back, so, that's 5 containers decluttered!  Friend A's older daughter's birthday had been at the end of June, so, we gave her the birthday gifts we had bought and made for her.  

I was feeling tired by the end of the evening and daughter put away the leftovers for me (which was when we realized that the dish of sauteed potatoes was still in the fridge) and loaded the dishwasher.  

Today, Saturday, daughter and I relaxed in the morning.  In the afternoon, we went to pick up two new stand fans that we had ordered.  The stand fans I have been using are over 20 years old (probably more like 25 years old) and while they both work, one is broken at the base and I've duct taped it to the stand and the plastic casing around the motor has a big piece broken off.  The other fan no longer holds the angle it is set at and the part with the fan blades tilts down and the wire cage knocks against the stand and makes a racket that sounds like a helicopter taking off!  So, yesterday, we ordered two new stand fans and today, we went and picked them up at the store.  One store was all out of them and the other store had only five left, but, we were able to purchase two of them.  They were on sale for 15% off and each fan cost a little under $28, including sales tax, which I thought was reasonable, although I don't think that they will last for 25 years!.

Then, we went to the grocery store and daughter went inside to pick up another half gallon of milk ($2.79), a pint of half and half ($2.69_, and a dozen mini croissants ( $4.29; I had a $0.70 off digital coupon for them).  My total came to $9.77, bringing my July grocery spending to date up to $80.08.

We had croissant sandwiches (with salmon and lettuce as the filling) for a late afternoon brunch.  

I did a load of laundry, watered portions of the back garden, gave Dancer his flea prevention medications, and called friend R to check on her.  Later in the evening, after it had cooled down, daughter and I went for a very short walk, just up and down our driveway and along the sidewalk.  Today, I developed a slight pain in my side, so, I stopped after less than 10 minutes of walking.  Don't ask me how I managed the walk up the incline on Thursday.

The neighbors are having another birthday party, but, the music is not as loud.  They are also sending up fireworks (which are illegal within city limits).

Tonight's dinner will be leftovers from last night.

I am grateful for:

- Being able to have friend A's family over to dinner
- Daughter's help with all the preparations and cleaning up, afterwards
- M's help with the garden
- Being able to order and pick up new fans
- Getting in even a short walk

My joyful activities have including having friends to dinner and spending time with daughter.

Plans for tomorrow include going to see daughter's friend who had a baby at the end of June.  Afterwards, daughter said she will need to pack.  She will work from home on Monday and fly back to Berkeley in the evening.

How is your weekend coming along?

Celebrating the Fourth

The Flyover in the Distance 

Thursday, the Fourth of July, was Independence Day, here in the USA, of course.  But, it was also the birthday of my late friend A.  When she was alive, she would often have us over to dinner at her house and then, we'd step outside to watch the fireworks, as she lived close to a place where they held a fireworks display, each year.  So, when her daughters asked what we were doing on the 4th of July and we answered that we had no plans, they invited us to attend the fireworks display at the venue with them.  It is an open air venue, so I felt it would be fine to attend it, as I would be wearing a mask.  It was a ticketed event and I offered to buy our tickets, but, A's daughters declined, saying not to worry about it.  They picked us up and gave us a ride to the venue and dropped us off, afterwards.  They had brought sandwiches, chips, and drinks, but, my daughter and I didn't want to remove our masks to eat or drink, so, we brought our sandwiches home and had them for dinner.

The parking lot was a short distance away from the venue and there was a shuttle for "Seniors and Disabled" that I could have taken from the parking lot to the venue.  But, I didn't want to be separated from my daughter and the other two young women, so I decided to walk with them.  It was a bit of an uphill climb, but I surprised both myself and my daughter by managing the walk, without feeling any pains!  I did need to stop to catch my breath, halfway up, and I did lift my mask to take a sip of water a bit later, just before we went up the last incline to the seats, but, it felt safe enough as there were very few people around.  

The Flyover Overhead

There were two tribute bands playing before the fireworks show, the first one being a Fleetwood Mac cover band and the other being  Billy Joel cover band.  Both bands played some good music. 

Tribute Band in Concert: Earlier in the Evening

Later in the Evening

And then, there was the fireworks display, accompanied by patriotic music:

Fireworks

More Fireworks

It was very exciting and fun.  Afterwards, the walk downhill to the parking lot was much easier than the walk uphill!  

On Thursday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to celebrate Independence Day
- Memories of friend A
- A's daughters inviting us to the fireworks display and
- Giving us a ride there and back
- Being able to walk up the incline without any pains

My joyful activity was attending the celebration in the company of my daughter and my friend's daughters.  It was a fun evening and I enjoyed it very much.  

Happy Sri Lankan New Year!

Milk Rice, Chicken Curry, and Katta Sambol

Usually called the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year after the two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, (I prefer the term Lankan New Year), Sri Lankans celebrate their cultural new year on April 13 and April 14.  Based on the sighting of the new moon and the movement of the sun from the House of Pisces to the House of Aries, astrologers determine when the old year ends and the new year begins (not necessarily at midnight) and the duration of the time between the two events, usually lasting several hours, when all work should be stopped and people should attend to religious matters, visit family members, engage in traditional games, and enjoy the special food and treats associated with the new year celebrations.  Given the fact that I left Sri Lanka over 50 years ago, and the time differences between there and here, I don't observe the specified times and rituals.  However, when possible, I make milkrice for breakfast (or brunch).

So, on Saturday morning, I spoke with my aunt to wish her for the new year, cooked milkrice for brunch, and made my usual offerings at the altar.  Then, I spent the rest of the day, relaxing!  

I like having a second new year in April!  It gives me another opportunity to have a new beginning!  

It was cool and overcast in the morning and it rained in the evening, quite heavily at times.  I am glad we had more rain, because I had asked M not to water the garden on Friday, in anticipation of it raining on the weekend!

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Another new year
- Another new beginning
- Rain for the garden
- Phone chats with my aunt
- A lovely e-card for the new year from a dear friend

Saturday's joyful activity was celebrating the Sri Lankan New Year!

There is more rain in the forecast for Sunday; plans for Sunday include relaxing with some crocheting.

How is your weekend coming along?

 

The End of the Week

Thai Food for Lunch (and leftovers for dinner)

On Friday, we ordered some take out from one of our favorite neighborhood Thai food places.  One really couldn't call it a restaurant.  It is a kitchen with a roofed patio area with some tables and chairs, but, it produces some of the best Thai food in town!  I've been getting food from this place for over 31 years and, while the prices have gone up, the food tastes as good as ever!  From left to right: beef fried rice (we requested they left out the tomatoes), chicken laab (spicy), beef salad (also spicy).  We enjoyed it for lunch and had leftovers for dinner and there are more leftovers for Saturday, as well.

You could say that we were celebrating the fact that daughter has extended her stay for another week, until Easter Sunday.  She will fly back on the Monday after that.  We are both very thankful that she is able to stay another week.

M was here in the evening and he had bought several bags of fertilizer for the fruit trees for me.  He applied the fertilizer to all the fruit trees and watered it in.  We are supposed to have rain over the weekend, but, as M said, putting water today will ensure that there will be rain over the weekend!  LOL.  I'm hoping that it will rain because the garden could do with another good soaking.

On Thursday, I kept my appointment with the tax preparer and filed my taxes.  I had to pay additional taxes which is never fun, but, I'm thankful that I had funds set aside for that (and the preparer's fees).  I'm glad that task is crossed off my to do list!  

Daughter and I had chicken curry sandwiches (made with the dinner rolls I got from the grocery store) for brunch.  For dinner, we had beef curry (from the freezer) with rice and cucumber salad.  

Birthday Card

I needed to make a quick birthday card, today.  The pattered paper is actually a piece of recycled packaging material that was at the bottom of a package of tea candles!  I had saved it to use for card making because I liked the pattern!

I am grateful for:
- My leg is continuing to heal

- Getting my taxes done and filed
- My daughter is able to extend her stay for another week
- M's help with the garden
- Card making supplies

Joyful activities have included crocheting, making a card, tending to the garden, and spending time with my daughter.

We are not making any special plans for the weekend.  I'll probably do some laundry and maybe do some baking.  There is some sewing I wanted to do for my daughter, which I couldn't do earlier due to needing to rest my leg; maybe I can do that this weekend.

How was your Friday and the end of the work week?  What are your plans for the weekend?

Saturday

Birthday Celebration Dinner

Miso soup, baked scallop and mushroom roll, beef teriyaki dinner, unagi (eel) donburi, mentaiko (cod roe) cut roll, and tempura squid salad.  The beef teriyaki dinner, which comes with miso soup, salad, pickled vegetables, and rice, was my choice; the other dishes are what daughter ordered for herself and I got to sample them.  We couldn't finish all the food, so the leftovers are in the fridge to be eaten over the next couple of days.

Daughter and I slept in, this morning, and I woke up with a pain at the base of my spine, but, it eventually wore off during the course of the day.  I think I might have done a bit too much, yesterday.  I took it easy, today, but, did a load of laundry and got Rebel the Robot vacuum the family room.  Daughter managed to reconnect it to the internet, after several tries.  She was just about ready to give up when it beeped and started to vacuum!  Daughter says she doesn't know what she did to make it work, but, I was able to work the vacuum with my phone, today!  Let's see how long that will work!

We had croissants and patties for brunch, today, and the Japanese food for dinner.

It was a lovely, sunny day, with the afternoon high reaching 71F!  I opened the windows to air out the house for a little bit, and walked around the garden for a bit.

Yesterday (Friday), M cut the bottle brush tree quite a bit at my request.  He was unsure if the tree would survive, but, I had him cut just above some new growth and I am confident that it will do just fine:

The Newly Pruned Bottle Brush Tree 

From Another Angle
(One of the Curry Leaf trees behind it)

The Pile of Branches that were Cut Down

We will dispose of the branches in the yard waste bin over the next few weeks.

Peach Tree

The peach flowers are coming to an end, I can see the first fruit starting to set, and the branches are starting to leaf out.  

In the meantime, new buds are starting to appear on the orange tree:

Orange Flower Buds

Oh, and I picked some oranges, too:

Freshly Picked Oranges

Lady Ella, these are for you, but I don't have a way to send them to you.  Sorry about that!

Later in the evening, daughter had a craving for potato chips.  I hadn't bought any when I put in the order for groceries, but, she had brought down some potatoes and so, I sliced up two of the the potatoes and fried them; we had them sprinkled with salt and chili powder and they were delicious.  If you slice them thinly enough and eat them before they get cold, they stay crisp.  

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Having daughter home
- Being able to sleep in
- A sunny and warm day
- A special dinner from a local restaurant and an opportunity to support a local business
- The pain in my spine went away

Today's joyful activity was celebrating daughter's birthday with a special dinner.

Tomorrow, we will begin Daylight Savings Time.  The clocks change at 2:00 a.m.  I'm looking forward to longer daylight in the evenings.  

My daughter will be spending the day with several of her friends, doing escape rooms.  One of her friends will pick her up and give her a ride home.

I plan to spend the day doing some sewing and mending.  Daughter brought home a couple of garments that need mending.  One of them is a wool cardigan that I had mended once before; it has developed a few more holes and I'll be trying to mend them.  

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