Starting A New Week

Gazania

Here we are, already on the last week of January!

Monday had been a sunny, warm day.  Friend R stopped by in the afternoon to pick up her packages.  Later, I took the trash cans to the curb and daughter watered some of the plants in the back garden.

For brunch, I cut up an re-sauteed the last of the previously sauteed slices of chicken breast, adding some sliced red onion to it and used it as a sandwich filling.  For dinner, we opted for a buffet style, selecting what we each fancied: I had coconut roti with pork curry and daughter had chicken curry and the pickled vegetables she had made.

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to help friend R by accepting and keeping her packages for her
- A sunny and warm day
- Flowers in the garden
- Weekly trash collections
- Water for the garden

Joyful activities included visiting with my friend and exchanging emails with another friend.

On Tuesday, when the pharmacy notified me that a prescription I had requested had been filled and was ready to be picked up, I was reminded of the fact that, back when I used to have a weekly schedule I actually followed, Tuesdays used to be my day to run errands.  I need to update and revive that weekly schedule!  

Tuesday was another sunny day.  I brought in the emptied trash cans, collected the mail including this week's grocery flyers, and went to the pharmacy to pick up my medication refill.  In the evening, daughter and I both worked on our knitting projects (she is making herself a scarf).

I had crackers with peanut butter for breakfast and I made fried rice for a late lunch:

Sausage Fried Rice

Leftover rice, leftover breakfast sausages cut up into small pieces, a grated carrot, some broccoli, a scrambled egg, and a handful of peanuts.  We had a snacky dinner - bananas and apples with peanut butter, breadpudding, crackers, etc.  

On Tuesday, I was grateful for:

- Another sunny and warm (71F) day

- My prescription was available
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Working appliances
- My blood pressure was normal

Tuesday's joyful activity was knitting.

Plans for Wednesday include tending to the garden with M.

How is your week coming along?  What are your plans for Wednesday? 

Mid-Week Catch Up

 

Moringa Pods

I harvested all these moringa pods from my tree on Monday.  On Wednesday, I sat and peeled all of them, cut them up, and cooked a huge pot of moringa curry.  My plan is to portion it out and freeze it to enjoy over the next few months.

I had stayed up all night on Tuesday, until 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning.  I was woken up just before 7:00 a.m. when Dancer used the litter box.  A quick check confirmed that he had produced a sample for me to take to the vet's clinic for analysis.  Never mind that I had only had one and a half hours of sleep - I collected the sample, got dressed, and left the house by 7:30 a.m.  I was able to hand in the sample by 7:45 a.m.  

I drove to the post office on my way home, but, while the lobby opened at 8:00 a.m., the service window didn't open till 10:00 a.m., so, I came home.  I didn't want to go back to sleep, so, I got busy.  I put a load of kitchen and bathroom rugs and Dancer's towels to wash and mopped the bathroom.  I hung the washed rugs to dry and then, it was time to go to the post office, again.  I had two documents to mail and I was able to have them date stamped at the service window.  

After I came home, I sat down to peel the moringa pods.  It took me some time to do them all, by which time, M was here to tend to the garden.  I asked him to spray the yard with the outdoor flea spray we had ordered and after he did that, he did some tidying up in the front garden.

Afterwards, I cooked the moringa curry.  

Then, it was time for a late brunch of tortillas and seeni sambol.  

I took a nap after that and slept for almost three hours.  

Afterwards, I swept and mopped the kitchen.

Dinner was assorted leftovers and daughter did the dishes.  After dinner, I caught up on some of my blog reading.  

Plans for Thursday include an appointment with a dermatologist I've been referred to as I have developed what I think are two different types of rashes.  

Mid-week, I am grateful for:

- The abundant moringa harvest (there are more pods on the tree, but, they are not ready to be picked yet)

- Vet services for Dancer

- M's help with the garden

- Afternoon naps

- Chocolate cookies that daughter baked

Chocolate Cookies

How is your week coming along?  

Mid-Week Already!

 

Curry Leaf Tree: Then March 2025)

Curry Leaf Tree: Now (August 2025)

The curry leaf tree was pruned back in January and it has grown so well that M gave it a bit of a trim, earlier in August.  

It's mid-week already as I write this and we are two-thirds of the way into August!  The days are going by quickly/

Monday was a stay at home day, and I did a bit of tidying up, cleaned the fridge, took the trash cans and recycling bins to the curb, and put water to part of the back garden.  I had stayed up most of Sunday night and slept only about four hours, so I took a long nap on the sofa in the afternoon.  

Tuesday was a bit of an errands day.  I took daughter to the pharmacy during her lunch break to pick up some medications and we picked up a pizza on the way home.  Later in the evening, after she finished her work for the day, we went to the library.  June, at Live and Learn-Toss and Turn had posted some book reviews and, on Sunday, I requested one of the books she recommended,  The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan from the library.  The library emailed me on Tuesday to let me know that the book was ready for pick up.  Daughter came with me because she wanted to renew her library card and she picked two books to read, herself.  

After we came home, I put water to the rest of the back garden.  M will be here, later, today, but, I wanted to make sure the garden got enough water.  The orange tree and the tangerine tree are not doing too well and I am hoping that keeping them well watered will help them.  

I did another load of laundry which needs to be put away and cleaned the kitchen a little bit.  We had leftover pizza for dinner with Asian pears from the garden.  I had some yogurt and a granola bar afterwards and daughter had a plum, I believe.  

Plans for Wednesday include going for a lab test and filling out some paperwork.  

I am grateful for:

- Medical insurance
- Medications being available
- Libraries
- Water for the garden
- Working appliances

Joyful activities have included a trip to the library and spending time in the garden.

How is your week coming along?  What are your plans for Wednesday?

On Saturday

 

Fried Rice for Dinner

On Saturday, I went to the pharmacy to pick up one of my medication refills that was ready.  Afterwards. I went next door to the dollar store to get a box of quart sized zippered food storage bags as I had finished the box I had been using.   

After that, I spent a relatively relaxed day.  I spent some time tidying up the family room and cleaning the kitchen.  The room I really need to tidy is my bedroom, but, I've been procrastinating on that!  I also did a bit of reading and watched some online videos.  

Brunch was bread and butter with a banana.  For dinner, I made some fried rice, using the last few pieces of the barbecue pork from my Chinese take out.  

Daughter is busy packing up her boxes and moving them, with the help of some friends, to the moving box/container which is located at a warehouse in a neighboring city (you have the option of having the container delivered to your residence, but, there is no where for it to be parked in front of daughter's apartment building and they will not deliver to the underground parking garage).  

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- My medication refills being available
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Daughter is making progress with her packing
- Her friends are helping her to move the boxes to the moving box/container
- A fairly relaxed day

Saturday's joyful activities included reading and tending to my indoor plants.

No big plans for Sunday, but, I would really like to get my bedroom organized!

How is your weekend coming along?  Any special plans for Sunday?

Starting a New Week

 

Nectarine

On Monday, I picked this nectarine from the tree.  It looks perfect, doesn't it?  But, looks can be deceiving:

Not Quite Perfect

It looks like some insect tried to bore into it.  Oh, well, this is what happens when you grow things organically, without spraying your fruit.  At least the birds didn't eat it before I picked it.  

Last year, we had about 9 or 10 nectarines.  This year, the nectarine tree didn't set many fruits.  Only this one and possibly one other that is still forming.  Needless to say, I am disappointed.  

On Monday, I did some paperwork in the morning and then, took Dancer to the vet clinic for his arthritis injection, thyroid panel (the vet wanted to check if the new dosage of medication was helping), and have his claws trimmed.  The last time I got a professional manicure done was back in July 2018!  

Dancer was very good on this trip to the vet clinic.  He had been sleeping when I picked him up to give him his sedative and in his sleepy state, I was able to give him the full dose before he realized what was happening.  I also made sure to give him the medication one full hour before we left the house, and not one hour prior to his appointment time.  Those extra 20 minutes or so really helped.  He protested a bit when he realized that he was in his carrier and when he was first put into the car, but, he settled down soon after that.  And he didn't hyperventilate or drool or throw up or mess up on the way there and back.  He was a very good boy!

Once we arrived home, I waited a few minutes to make sure he was okay.

Then, I went to the post office to mail something and went to the library to return two books.  One book was due on the day and the other one wasn't, but, I wanted to return them both and have one less thing to remember to do.   Besides, I'll be busy this week and I might have to report for jury duty next week; I have to call on Sunday evening to find out if I need to report in person on Monday.

Later in the evening, I watered the back garden (which was when I picked the nectarine), cleaned out the fridge, and took the trash cans to the curb.

Today, (Tuesday), I brought in the emptied trash cans, checked the new grocery ads, did a load of laundry, watered the indoor plants, and received an e-book that I had put a hold on through the library.  There had been 7 people waiting for this book (on decluttering) before me, so, I didn't anticipate I'd receive it as soon as I did (within a week of requesting it).  I've already started to read it.  This person has decluttering videos posted online and I've watched them, so I thought I'd read her book, as well.  

Later in the afternoon, I went out to the backyard to take the kitchen compost to the compost heap, tripped on something, and fell!  I had just been thinking that I haven't fallen recently!  It knocked the wind out of me, but, I was okay.  Not hurt.  I did lie there for a minute before I sat up and then tried to get up.  I had seen a video where you are encouraged to get up on one knee, bend the other leg and rest your foot on the ground with that knee raised. put your weight on the raised knee to lever yourself up.  Well, I tried that, but the leg I was kneeling on wouldn't move!  Eventually, I just put both hands on the ground and levered myself up like that.  I did have my cell phone with me and if all else failed, I would have called M as he has a key to my gate and sat there in the garden until he could come and help me up.  I might have had to wait a long time, though.  Thank goodness I didn't hurt myself, although I might have a bruise or two, tomorrow.

I am grateful for:

- I didn't hurt myself when I fell
- I was able to get up on my own
- Dancer had a good trip to the vet clinic and back on Monday
- Libraries and being able to borrow books and other material through them
- Working appliances
- Water for the garden
- Nectarines from the garden

Joyful activities have included reading, watching online videos, and relaxing.

Plans for Wednesday include maybe another load of laundry, booking the car for a routine service, more paperwork, tending to the garden with M, and maybe going to the grocery store for bread and milk.  I finished the last of the bread tonight, when I had an egg salad sandwich for my dinner.

How was your day?  What are your plans for Wednesday?

Wednesday and Thursday

 

Lemons and Lace

The lemons are from the garden.  The silver fruit basket was a gift from my late friend A one Christmas.  The lace table cover was crocheted by my mother.

On Wednesday, I went grocery shopping at the Armenian store.  They were having a sale on salmon fillets ($7.99/lb.) and I wanted to buy some to cook for dinner (my daughter loves salmon).  I also bought some chicken drumsticks ($0.99/lb.) and thinly sliced beef shoulder steaks ($5.99/lb.)  In addition, I bought some half and half, six cans of coconut water (on sale for $0.99@), bread rolls, a cucumber, broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, bananas, mangos, and nectarines.  My total came to $43.53.

When I went to pay, the cashier said my $100 note was not valid because one edge of it was torn.  I had recently received the note from a teller at the bank, so, I knew the note was valid.  I asked if there was a manager and the cashier called the manager over who looked at my note and said it was fine.  

Meanwhile, in the checkout line next to me, there was a bit of an altercation between a customer and a security guard, who said that the customer had opened a container of dried fruit and should, therefore, pay for it while the customer denied ever opening the container.  The security guard must have said that he has it on video, because the customer said, "Show me, show me" and the security guard pulled out his cell phone and began to show something.  By this time, I had paid for my groceries and I left the store, having claimed my cucumber which the bagger had forgotten to bag, without waiting to see how the issue between the other customer and the security guard was resolved.  

Who said grocery shopping was boring?  

After I came home, I ate half of a bread roll with the last slice of ham I had thawed, earlier.  

A short time later, gardener M arrived with a bag of top soil or soil amendment he had bought for me.  I served him a slice of blueberry yogurt cake, reimbursed him for the bag of soil, and chatted with him for a bit.  He watered the garden and prepared a planting bed for the corn I want to plant again.  I'll have another corn patch, this year, too!  

Last Year's Corn Patch

I had a long list of things I wanted to do, on Wednesday, but, I took a nap instead!  After I woke up from my nap, however, I was very productive.  I changed the bedding on my daughter's bed, did a load of laundry, vacuumed the whole house (the robot did the bedrooms while I vacuumed the living room, family room dining area, and the hallway with the big vacuum cleaner), and cooked dinner - rice, sauteed salmon, sauteed wax beans from the garden, and made a cucumber salad.  I also sauteed two chicken breasts I had defrosted.

Then, it was time to pick up daughter from the airport.  She had a safe flight home.  We had dinner and chatted a bit, before going to bed.

On Wednesday, I was grateful for:

- Daughter had a safe flight home
- M's help with the garden and picking up the bag of soil, etc. for me

- Water for the garden
- What I was able to accomplish
- Phone calls from my sister and friend R; emails from friend J

Wednesday's joyful activity was being with daughter.

Today (Thursday), daughter worked from home.  I found a few quiet activities to do while she worked (she had meetings, etc.)  I read my prayer book, ordered more groceries for pick up, and hand embroidered the baby's name, my name, and  the occasion (1st Birthday) on the baby quilt, using a chain stitch.  

Later in the afternoon, I drove to the pharmacy to pick up Dancer's medication as the vet had increased his medication dosage.  

Then, I drove to the supermarket and picked up the items I had ordered, including more half and half because the container of half and half I had bought at the Armenian store, which had a "best by" date of June 30, was curdled when I opened it, this morning!  Daughter had her coffee with regular milk, but, she prefers half and half.  I will not be buying any milk or half and half from the Armenian store after this.  I spent $31.89 at the supermarket and I know I have gone over June's grocery budget.  But, I'm close enough to the end of the month that I don't feel bad about borrowing from the July budget.  Some of the items I bought today, such as four cans of condensed milk and two bottles of salad dressing, will last well into July and maybe even August.

For lunch, today, I made subway-style sandwiches with the bread rolls, sandwiching them with sliced sauteed chicken breast (that I cooked Wednesday night), lettuce, and cucumber slices.  We had some ice cream bars for dessert.  I had a slice of the blueberry yogurt cake at tea time, but, daughter, who doesn't like yogurt, said the taste of yogurt was too strong for her.  We have leftover rice, salmon, and sauteed broccoli for our dinner, tonight.

On Thursday, I am grateful for:

- Daughter being home
- Dancer's medication being available
- Being able to order and pick up groceries
- Safe drives to the pharmacy and the grocery store and back
- A lovely warm and sunny day

Thursday's joyful activities included embroidering and listening to daughter play the piano (Dancer sang while daughter played the piano! LOL)

Daughter has a day off tomorrow (Friday).  We plan to just relax at home while she finishes crocheting the gift she's making for her goddaughter.  She has plans for the evening with some of her friends.  M and I will tend to the garden and I have a library book I need to finish reading.

How was your Thursday?  What are your plans for Friday?

Midweek Update

Crocheted Dress

This is the dress my daughter crocheted for her goddaughter to wear at the baptism.

I had planned to wake up early on Tuesday, but, having gone to bed after 6:00 a.m., I turned the alarm off when it rang in the morning and went back to sleep!  But, once I woke up, I was productive.   I brought in the emptied trash cans, did a load of laundry including my bed sheets, remade my bed, looked up the driving directions to the specialist, paid bills and did a bit of paperwork.

Then, I decided to make a start on putting a few things back in place as all the items piled on the family room table and coffee table, etc., were getting to me.

I started with putting the china and serving dishes back in the china cabinet.  But, first, I had to clean the china cabinet shelves and the mirrored back.  There is one wooden shelf on the bottom and two glass shelves above, consisting of three pieces of glass each,  which rest on wooden supports, and which can be removed for cleaning.  Of course, I managed to drop one piece of glass on top of another piece of glass while doing so!  I thought the bottom glass would break, but only a few small pieces broke off the edge of the piece that fell.  I was able to put it back in place and made a note to myself not to place anything heavy on that piece of glass.   

Empty China Cabinet

Then, I put the items back, making sure I was putting back only those items I absolutely wanted to keep.  I didn't put back 7 or 8 items, including an ice bucket, a covered casserole dish, a tray and two small serving dishes, a toast rack, and a serving dish holding two jam pots.  I am going to put them in a box and wait for a bit to see if I want them before I donate them.

China Cabinet: After 

Then, I moved on to the living room.  But, first, I wanted to do a little cleaning.  So, I washed the inside of the front door.  Then, I adjusted the drapes in the front window as the painters didn't hang them properly and they left a gap when the drapes were drawn closed.  Then, I had to wash the inside of the windows.  And dust all the furniture, again and wash the painted shelves on either side of the fireplace.  And vacuum the floor.  I now feel that I have thoroughly cleaned the living room.

Finally, I was ready to bring back some of the living room items - the two plant stands and plants, a stand lamp, a side table, the basket with music books,  photographs to go on the mantelpiece, a few decorative items for the bookcase (no books, yet).  

Later in the night, I realized that my appointment with the specialist, which I thought was scheduled for Wednesday, was actually on Thursday!  I was glad I had already realized that on Tuesday night because when the doctor's office called me on Wednesday morning to confirm the appointment, I didn't get confused!

On Tuesday, I was grateful for:

- What I was able to accomplish in terms of cleaning and putting things back in place
- Weekly trash collections
- Working appliances and electricity to run them
- Being able to pay my bills
- Video chatting with my daughter

Tuesday's joyful activity was picking peaches.

On Wednesday, I started to put back a few things in the shelving unit in the dining area, but, haven't finished doing so.  The items I returned to the shelves included my cookbook collection, a candy jar, a couple of decorative dishes, and a candle stand.  

Then, I did a little more paperwork and tended to the garden with M.  Afterwards, I had to go to the post office before it closed to mail a document (the paperwork I did, earlier), and from there, I went to the pharmacy to pick up a medication refill.  

I noticed that the pharmacy had cereal on sale for $1.99 a box and I decided to pick up two more boxes of cereal.  With the coupons that I had already loaded onto my store card, the two boxes of cereal came to $1.37 for both, or, approximately $0.68 each.  I was happy with that price.

I was tired after I came home and took a very brief nap.  A short time later, neighbor S called and brought over a large piece of cake.  I ate a piece of it and froze the rest to share with my daughter when she visits, next.  

Friend R called in the evening and we had a chat.  Later, I chatted with my daughter; she had her medical procedure done in the afternoon and is recovering and taking it easy.

On Wednesday, I was grateful for:

- M's help with the garden
- Daughter is recovering well after her medical procedure
- My medication refill was available
- Neighbor S bringing me cake
- A safe drive to the post office and pharmacy and back

Wednesday's joyful activity was picking more peaches.  I had some with yogurt for brunch:

Peaches and Yogurt

Plans for Thursday include my doctor's appointment in the afternoon, some paperwork and filing, putting away some laundry, and continuing to put things back in the living room and dining area.

How is your week coming along?  What are your plans for Thursday?

Going By The Lists

 

Neptune Roses on Monday

Monday and Tuesday were busy days for me.  I knew I had made a rather ambitious to do list for Monday and it didn't surprise me when I needed to move some of it over to Tuesday.

This was my Monday To Do List:

- Call in Dancer's medication refill - DONE
- Make his appointment at the vet clinic for his injection - DONE
- Pick up my own medication from my pharmacy 
- Go to the bank
- Meal plan - DONE
- Vacuum the living room and dining area (and kitchen and hallway) - DONE
- Take the trash cans out to the curb - DONE
- Dust the nightstand and chest of drawers (and dresser) in my bedroom (room of the week); do a quick sort through of the drawers - DONE
- Declutter 5 items - Decluttered 2 items - an empty pill container and the old rice pack/heating pad
- Laundry - DONE

I didn't go to the pharmacy or the bank because I needed to stay within easy access to a toilet on Monday!  Enough said!  

Tuesday was an errands day.  Tuesday's To Do List looked like this:

- Pick up Dancer's meds - DONE
- Pick up my meds - DONE
- Pick up the library book that was being held for me - DONE
- Go to the dollar store - DONE (Didn't buy anything!)
- Bring in the empty trash cans - DONE
- Go to the bank
- Declutter

I didn't go to the bank, after all, and I didn't do any decluttering.  I had mac and cheese with ground beef for a very late brunch and waffles with cranberry sauce for dinner.  I had some crackers for a snack.

Neptune Roses on Tuesday

It is early morning on Wednesday as I write this.  Wednesday's To Do List:

- Order groceries - DONE
- Pick up groceries
- Go to the bank
- Tend to the garden with M
- Pay bills
- Start clearing my desk
- Vacuum my bedroom

During these busy days, I am grateful for:

- Safe drives to the various places I went to and back
- The availability of medications for both myself and Dancer
- Working appliances
- Libraries
- What I was able to get done

Meanwhile, Dancer said he couldn't be bothered:

Afternoon Nap
(Yes, that's his carrier pad - he uses it as his pillow)

How is your week coming along?

On Monday

 

Harlequin Sparaxis

The Harlequin Sparaxis bulbs that M planted in the bulbery are flowering!

On Monday, I drove my daughter to her physical therapy appointment.  She had an hour-long session and received some new foot exercises to do at home and a follow-up appointment at the beginning of April. 

On the way home, I stopped to put gas to the car as I had less than a quarter tank of gas.  Gas at the cheapest gas station in the neighborhood was $4.50 per gallon for unleaded, if paying cash.  I put $50 worth of gas (the full amount I budget for gas each month) to the car and filled the tank.  

After we came home, I did two loads of laundry, took the trash cans to the curb for pick up on Tuesday morning, watched the evening news, and did a few daily chores. 

We had leftovers from Sunday's birthday meal for both lunch and dinner.

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- The availability of physical therapy for my daughter
- A safe drive to the clinic and back
- Free parking at the clinic
- Gas for the car
- Working appliances and electricity to run them.

Monday's joyful activities included chatting on the phone with friend R and neighbor S and texting with one of my cousins.

Plans for Tuesday include tidying up the house a bit , catching up on some blog reading, and maybe a visit from friend R.

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

This Week

 

The First Nasturtium Flower

The week is going by fast!

Monday was President's Day.  We enjoyed a fairly relaxed day at home.  I did some house cleaning, checked on things in the garden, and took the trash bins out to the curb.

On Tuesday, I brought the emptied trash cans in and went to the pharmacy to pick up a medication refill that was ready.  The pharmacy receipt showed that I had another $2 bonus rewards coupon.  I looked in the cereals aisle and most of the cereals that had been on sale for $1.99 were sold out, but, there were boxes of frosted mini wheats that were on sale for $1.99, so I used the coupon and got a box for free.  I was happy with my free cereal.  Then, I went into the dollar store next door to the pharmacy, but, they didn't have the item I was looking for, so I didn't buy anything.

Afterwards, I went to the Armenian store to get their pork chops that were on sale for $1.99/lb. on Tuesday, only.  I bought six pork chops which weighed a little over 3 lbs. and came to a total of $6.70.  Daughter had also requested a few more packets of the grilled and peeled chestnuts, which were still on sale for $0.95 each, so I bought six packets of those for her, for a total of $5.70.  My grocery total came to $12.40

I did a load of laundry and remade daughter's bed with the freshly washed (and dried) sheets.  

On Wednesday, M was here to tend to the garden.  He brought me two more day lily plants and planted them in the stonery area. We admired the first flowers on the nasturtium plant and discussed eating the nasturtium leaves and flowers.  I want to keep the flowers to form seeds, but, maybe there will be sufficient flowers to do both, eventually.  

I called the vet's clinic and made an appointment for Dancer to have his arthritis injection.  There was an appointment available for later in the afternoon on Wednesday, so, I took him in, only to be told that he was not due to have this injection for another four days.  I wish I had checked the dates more closely or they had checked his charts and told me when I made the appointment.  Anyway, because they know how difficult it is for him to be sedated and brought in, they offered to trim his claws at no charge to make up for the fact that we had made the drive there.  So, Dancer had his claws trimmed and he was very good about the journey in the car, so he got to enjoy a little tuna after we came home.

I cooked two of the pork chops for dinner and froze the rest, individually, with a marinade, for later.  Daughter and I shared one of the pork chops, with rice and broccoli for dinner.  The other pork chop is in the fridge for another day.

Thursday was another relaxed day.  Daughter woke up with a migraine; she managed to make it through a meeting in the morning, but, had to take the afternoon off on sick leave.  While she took her medications and slept off the migraine, I did some scrap piecing.  I find it very relaxing and enjoyable.  

Plans for Friday include a follow up appointment with my oncology nurse practitioner to go over my mammogram and blood test results. Later in the evening, M will be here to tend to the garden.  

This week, I am grateful for:

- Pleasant weather
- My medications were available
- A free box of cereal with my coupon
- M's help with the garden
- Being able to go over this month's grocery budget

Joyful activities have included piecing my scrap fabric, being in the garden, watching videos with my daughter, exchanging emails and chatting with friends on the phone. 

How was your week?  Any plans for Friday and the weekend?

Mostly Sunny on Friday

 

Variegated Succulent

My blog post titles are starting to sound like a weather report, aren't they?   But, the rain has ceased and it was mostly sunny on Friday, lots of clouds in the sky.

I went for my blood test in the early afternoon and picked up one of my medication refills from the pharmacy on my way home.  

Then, after eating a Jamaican meat pie for my brunch, I went to the Armenian grocery store to get fruits and vegetables for the most part.  I didn't buy any dairy or meat or fish.  Just fruit (apples, papaya, grapes, mandarins, blackberries, one avocado) and vegetables (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, beets, carrots, lettuce, cucumber, yams, cassava) and chestnuts.  This store has a greater variety of fresh produce and at more reasonable prices than the supermarket, for the most part.  Of course, they do not offer curbside pick up, but, I wore my mask and I felt comfortable enough shopping there in person.  Today's shopping trip came to $28.17.

I met neighbor S's husband at the grocery store as he was there, shopping.  I think he does the majority of the grocery shopping in their household.  When I came home, I called neighbor S and told her that I saw her husband at the store and she laughed and said that he had just come home, himself, and the first thing he said to her was that he had seen me at the store.  

M was already tending to the garden when I came home.  We chatted a bit and he did some weeding and tidying up in the back yard.  

Then, I am afraid I took a nap on the sofa while listening to the evening news!  I guess I was tired.  I made a cucumber salad and daughter and I had leftovers for dinner. 

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- Access to medical care
- The availability of medications
- Safe driving to the clinic, pharmacy, and grocery store
- M's help with the garden
- Working appliances

Friday's joyful activity was playing the piano after a long time of not playing it.

Plans for Saturday include meal planning and cooking; ironing something for daughter; and maybe doing some laundry.

How was your Friday?  Did you celebrate St. Valentine's Day?  What are your plans for Saturday?  

Productive Monday

 

Flower Seeds for the Garden (from the dollar store)

Monday was a sunny day, with a high of 71F.  I had made myself a To Do List with 15 things listed and was determined to get as much done as I could.  So, while I waited for the tea (for me) and coffee (for daughter) to brew,  I put away the dishes that had been air drying in the dish drainer, overnight.  

Then, I responded to the e-invitation to former neighbor T's Celebration of Life, expressing my regrets that I would not be able to attend.  Earlier, I had called and spoken with T's daughter, to make my excuses, as I have a doctor's appointment and a bone density injection scheduled for the same day and at the same time and rescheduling it was going to be difficult.  In any case, the Celebration of Life was being held at a restaurant and I am not yet ready to eat at a restaurant; I would have made my excuses even if I didn't have a doctor's appointment.

After that, I scheduled my lab test to do the blood work that is required to be done before the doctor's appointment.  

Dancer received his morning dose of thyroid medication.

In the afternoon, I went to the pharmacy to pick up one of my prescriptions that was ready for pick up.  The receipt showed that I had $2 in Rewards, so, I checked the food aisle to see if there was anything I wanted.  Several types of breakfast cereals were on sale and I picked up a box of cornflakes that was on sale for $1.99, so, free with rewards!  

Afterwards, I went to the dollar store that is next to the pharmacy.  I wanted to get a few household items (small trash can liners, an air freshener,  some quart sized storage bags; all of which were cheaper there than at the grocery store or online) and to see if they had the frozen Jamaican beef hand pies that we tried one time and liked.  The store didn't have them the last time I checked, but, this time, they had them on sale for $0.50 each, so I bought four each of the spicy and the mild.  Daughter had one for her lunch after I came home from the store.  I just had some dry toast because, on Sunday night, I had a bit of an upset tummy.  I spent $4 at the dollar store on food items/groceries.

Later in the evening, I cleaned out the fridge, took the kitchen trash and another bag of recycling to the bins and put the bins by the curb for pick up on Tuesday morning.

Daughter wanted to soak her feet before her podiatrist appointment on Tuesday, so, I got the foot bath ready for her and cleared it away, afterwards.  

Dinner was leftover pot roast, and I cooked some green beans to go with it. Daughter and I both had bread with our dinner.  I will cook rice on Tuesday, to have with leftover stir-fry for dinner.

Afterwards, I did the dishes and looked up the directions to the podiatrist's office, just to remind myself how to get there.  

I also gave Dancer his evening thyroid dose and cleaned his litter box.  

And watered the houseplants (don't have that many, just seven of them).  

The only items on my To Do List which I didn't do are a load of laundry and play with fabric.  They will be carried over to Tuesday.  Plans for Tuesday include taking daughter to her podiatrist appointment, doing a load of laundry, bringing in the trash cans, doing some paperwork, and playing with fabric.  Plus all the daily stuff like preparing meals, doing the dishes, giving Dancer his medications, cleaning his litter box, etc.  

On Monday, I am grateful for:

- My upset tummy has settled down
- My medications being available 
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and store and back
- "Free" box of cereal with store awards
- What I was able to get done 

Monday's joyful activity was watching a genealogy program on TV.

How was your Monday?  Do you make daily To Do Lists?  Do you find them helpful with being productive?  What are your plans for Tuesday?

The Weekend and a Tentative Meal Plan

Dancer's New Year Resolution: Sleep More

The first weekend of the new year.

On Saturday, I followed Dancer's example and slept in till quite late (after going to bed at 3:30 a.m.)  In the afternoon, neighbor S's daughter texted and brought over our gifts.  I had not sewn the table runner I was planning to make for S (the past few days since the almsgiving have been a bit hectic with my daughter feeling ill, etc.), so, I switched to Plan B and gave her some alternate gifts I had on hand (a red apple and cinnamon jar candle and a set of Christmas kitchen towels).  I will gift her the table runner at a later date, maybe if we visit her for the New Year or maybe for her birthday, later in the year.  

Later, I did several loads of laundry, washing all the blankets and quilts on daughter's bed.  Then, I remade her bed with new sheets and the freshly laundered quilts.  

Uncooked Blinchik from Neighbor S

Neighbor S had sent some homemade blinchik (crepes with a ground beef or potato filling), along with some gata (pastries) and kuftha (a type of meatballs).  I sauteed the blinchick for our dinner and enjoyed some of the gata for dessert.  I froze the kuftha for another day.

Daughter did the foot exercises her podiatrist had given her to do and tried to walk with only one crutch.  She managed a few steps, but, then, experienced pain in her foot, so, she iced it.  Her podiatrist had told her to take some ibuprofen if needed for the pain and to ice her foot as needed.

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Exchanging gifts with S and family
- S sending us some treats
- A working washer and dryer
- Daughter was able to take a few steps without one crutch
- Exchanging emails with a friend

Saturday's joyful activity was enjoying the lovely treats sent by neighbor S.

On Sunday, after a relaxed morning, I went to the pharmacy to pick up some over the counter allergy medications for my daughter and a new bottle of Tylenol for myself.  The Tylenol was behind a locked glass case and I had to call for assistance to get it.  I had an unopened bottle of Tylenol in the cupboard, but, it had expired, back in 2023!  It's better to be prepared and have new medications on hand rather than wait until it is needed, I guess.  I had a $5.00 off coupon that I used towards the medications and my total spent today came to $27.43.

I made us some egg salad sandwiches for a late lunch after I came back.  For dinner, I cooked some chicken thighs that I had in the freezer, sauteeing them with onions, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and potatoes with corn on the cob as a side. 

I haven't been meal planning lately, but, I think now is a good time to get back to it.  This is just a tentative meal plan of some possible dinners for the week.  Brunches/lunches will be leftovers or sandwiches.

January Week 1 Meal Plans:

Brunches/Lunches: Leftovers, sandwiches, uppuma (Indian style cream of wheat), cup noodles, scrambled eggs, sausages, and toast or pancakes

Dinners: 

- Sauteed chicken with vegetables (onions, tomato, broccoli, corn on the cob, carrots, potatoes)
- Rice & Curries: rice with leftover meatball curry, lentils with spinach, chutney
- Leftovers
- Ham steaks with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and salad
- Turkey and vegetable soup with toast and salad
- Leftover soup
- Pizza (on Saturday - daughter's friends will be over)

We'll see how that works out.  

On Sunday, I was grateful for:

- Pleasant weather (afternoon high of 73F and sunshine)
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- The medications being available
- A relaxed day
- A working heater

Sunday's joyful activity was chatting on the phone with my aunt.

To Do List for Monday:

- Take down and put away the Christmas decorations
- Another load of laundry
- Clean out the fridge
- Take the trash cans to the curb
- Water the indoor plants
- Vacuum daughter's room

How was your weekend?  Are you making a meal plan for next week?  What are your plans for Monday?

The Last Monday of the Year!

 

Snow Pikachu

One of the gift tags my daughter drew and colored to attach to the packages of Pokemon collector cards we gifted to my cousin's grandsons.

Today, I woke up feeling a little tired from the busy weekend.  Not so much tired as my back was hurting.  So, I took it easy.  I did go to CVS to pick up a prescription refill that was ready for pick up and while there, I bought a pack of red and green tissue paper, that was on sale for 50% off; regular price was $2.99 and I paid $1.50.  I still have most of a package of white tissue paper, so I am set for next year's gift wrap.  And when I came home from the pharmacy, I took the trash cans to the curb.  But, I didn't do any laundry or water the garden, or clean the kitchen (I did wash the doors of two lower kitchen cabinets as something had dripped down them).

Daughter woke up complaining of a scratchy throat and I made her some ginger-coriander tea, the Sri Lankan panacea for colds and coughs, etc.  We are under an unhealthy air quality alert, so we don't know if it is daughter's allergies flaring up or if she is coming down with something.  I have the air purifiers running to clean the air, if it is her allergies.  We are sort of staying in separate rooms for now, but, not wearing masks.

We are both hoping that it isn't some virus. We have been very careful up till last week.  But, we didn't wear masks when we went to our friend's place on Christmas or to my cousin's place (she with the sick daughter isolating in another room during our visit) on the day after.  We also didn't wear masks during the almsgiving.  However, we did wear masks when former neighbor T's daughter visited and I am very glad that we did, especially since she announced, during the visit, that she had just recovered from Covid, ending her isolation just the previous day!  We also wore our masks when my late friend's daughter came over, yesterday, to use the washer and dryer (we gave her a mask to wear, too, and she did).  

Anyway, hopefully, it is nothing to worry about!  Daughter is on mandatory work curtailment this week (a budgetary requirement at her work place; staff is required to take no pay leave or vacation time off and daughter is taking no pay leave because she wants to save her vacation days for an upcoming planned trip, next year).  So, she will have time to rest and recover.

Today, I am grateful for:

- My medication refills being available for pick up
- Daughter is taking time off this week so she can rest
- Leftovers for meals
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Working appliances

My joyful activity today was emailing friends and watching online videos.

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve.  Is anyone thinking about New Year's Resolutions/Goals, etc.?

Thursday

Summer Bouquet (June 2024)

The only picture I took today was of an empty shelf in the bookcase, which didn't look as pretty as this bouquet of garden flowers!  So, I decided to go with the flowers!

But, just for the record, the bottom shelf of the family room bookcase is now empty:

Empty Shelf

I don't think it will remain empty for long.  I am thinking of storing my canning jars there, in a couple of fabric covered boxes.  Or, maybe the board games which are currently being stored on a shelf in the entertainment center.  Nature abhors a vacuum, they say; apparently, as much as I say I like empty spaces, I am not happy with vacuums, either!  LOL.  But, for now, the bottom shelf is empty.

It was another overcast day, here, and temperatures on the cooler side.  I went to the pharmacy to pick up my asthma inhaler refill and went to the dollar store afterwards.  I was looking for a box of disposable gloves (needed for when I apply Dancer's thyroid medications; I am down to the last two gloves I had bought from the old dollar store) and a butter dish (my old butter dish broke), but they didn't have any disposable gloves (I asked one of the store assistants) and they didn't have any butter dishes, either.  I bought a packet of rice to make myself a new rice-filled heat pack and I bought a four-pack of lemon-lime soda cans.  The store was not crowded and I felt comfortable walking around (I had my mask on).

In the evening, I called former neighbor T to check on her and left a message, chatted with friend R who is having another package delivered to my house, and had a long conversation with my daughter.

On Thursday, I was grateful for:

- My medication refills being available
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back

- Leftovers for meals
- My portable electric space heater (yes, I put it on in the evening as I felt cold!)

- Exchanging emails with friends

Thursday's joyful activity was having a long conversation with my daughter.

How was your Thursday?  What are your plans for Friday?

 

On Thursday

Golden Kiwi

One of the two golden kiwi fruit given to me by neighbor S, the other day.  

On Thursday, the two bags of dry cat food I had ordered were delivered in the morning and I brought them in.  Then, I went to the pharmacy to pick up my medication refills.  I also bought a container of moisturizing body lotion.  I briefly considered buying a subway sandwich or a burger for my brunch while I was at the mall where the pharmacy was located, but, decided not to.  Instead, I came home and ate some grapes and some yogurt with my homemade peach jam, with a bit of cereal added for crunch.  

Later, I watched news and a couple of documentaries about the historic Knights Templar and about Machu Picchu.  In between, I put together another row of crocheted squares and took a nap!  Later, I video chatted with my daughter.

Dinner was sardines on toast (well, a toasted hot dog bun, actually) and sauteed apples.  

Thursday was a rather low energy day for me, but, I took it easy and did everything I needed to do.

On Thursday, I was grateful for:

- My medications being available
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Cat food being delivered to the door
- Interesting TV programs to watch
- An afternoon nap

Thursday's joyful activities included assembling the crocheted blanket and watching TV.

Plans for Friday include ordering some groceries for pick up and tending to the garden with M.  

How was your Thursday?  What are your plans for Friday?

A New Week

Gazania

Monday started off with a long phone chat with aunt C and cousin N, which was nice.  Afterwards, I went out into the garden and watered the back yard.  It was a sunny day and the flowers were in full bloom.  

In the afternoon, I went to the library to return books that were due and then, I went to the craft store (Michael's) to buy more yarn for the blanket I am making.  I had run short of the off white yarn I was using to crochet a border around each granny square to make them look less random (as I had used leftover yarn to make them).  But, the store was out of the off white yarn, so I bought two skeins of white yarn and two skeins of "mauve" (which looked more like a dusty rose to me than mauve) for the border around the whole blanket.  I had to pay full price for them ($3.99 each) because they weren't on sale.  I looked around the store just a little bit in passing, as the store is set up in such a way, with the yarn in a corner at the back that one has to pass by scrapbooking and beading and art supplies, etc. to reach the yarn and then, pass by the decorative items, cake decorating supplies, and seasonal decorations on the way to the check out, that it is difficult not to see a lot of what they have!  But, I was not tempted to buy anything else other than the yarn I went to buy.  The store wasn't crowded on a weekday afternoon and I felt comfortable shopping.

After I came home, I took the trash cans to the curb for pick up on Tuesday morning, did a load of laundry, spoke with former neighbor T, chatted with friend R, watched news, and made my ham and potato soup for dinner.  It was the first time I have made this soup and it was good, but, it was just a little bland.

Tuesday was mostly cloudy and cool.  I brought in the emptied trash cans, put away the laundry I did on Monday, walked around the garden, made tuna salad to have on crackers for brunch, did a little housecleaning, watched some online videos, and crocheted.  I reheated the leftover ham and potato soup for my dinner and added a serrano chili to it and that really made a difference, I thought.  There is half a serving left; I will finish it for brunch on Wednesday.

I'm grateful for:

- Time spent in the garden
- Chatting with family and friends
- Weekly trash collections
- Safe drives to the library and craft store and back
- Working appliances

Joyful activities have included being in the garden, chatting with family and friends, and crocheting.

Plans for Wednesday include tending to the garden with M, more housework, and more crocheting.

How is your week coming along?
- 

Midway Through April

Pink Rose - Starting to Fade

After a weekend of rain, Monday was sunny and it warmed up nicely to 72F in the afternoon.  I did a load of laundry, walked around the garden, and did a few things around the house.

In the afternoon, I went to the pharmacy to pick up two prescriptions that were ready.  I looked around the store a little bit, but, didn't buy anything.  Instead, I went over to the dollar store that is closing and looked around, again.  I bought a packet of hot glue sticks ($1.04), a pack of two 100% cotton kitchen towels ($1.80), and a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider ($2.85); with taxes and deposit on the bottle of apple cider, the total came to $6.06.  

I'm finding myself feeling more comfortable going shopping in person, these days (fully masked, of course).  

After I came home, I took the trash cans to the curb, watched the evening news, video chatted with my daughter, and relaxed.

Brunch had been the last of the milkrice and chicken curry.  Dinner was a cup of noodles soup.  I didn't do a meal plan, yet, but, I took a package of sliced ham from the freezer and kept to thaw, to have with bread rolls for my brunches during the week.  

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- A sunny and warmer day
- The availability of medications
- The car started
- A safe drive to the stores and back
- Exchanging emails with friends

Monday's joyful activity was video chatting with my daughter.

Tuesday is supposed to be another sunny and warm day, with a high of 76F,  I've no special plans for the day, but, might do another load of laundry and some housework.

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

On Monday

 

Going Out of Business Dollar Store Haul

On Monday, I woke up around 9:30 a.m., after going to sleep around 4:30 a.m., fed Dancer, decided I needed more sleep, and went back to bed!  I slept through whatever partial solar eclipse we were supposed to be able to see.  When I woke up close to noon, the sun was shining brightly.

Around 3:00 p.m., I finally decided to go to the phone store.  Unplugged the device (the backup battery light came on), put it into a bag with the file and user manual, etc. and left to go to the store.  The device started beeping on the drive to the store, but, I ignored the beeps.  

When I got to the store, there was a handwritten sign on the door saying the store was closed for lunch (apparently only one person was working there) and will reopen at 3:45 p.m.  I had over half an hour to wait.

So, I decided to walk over to the dollar store that is closing.  The sign outside said 10% - 30% off, final sale on all items, etc.  Most of the items were 10% off; some fresh produce was 5% off.  The store wasn't very crowded, but, there were long lines as only two checkouts were open; however, when I was standing in line, they opened a third checkout and I was able to get into that line.  The shelves were already getting emptied and I saw someone buying cases of canned items and bottles of sauces.

I was very glad that I had bought certain items such as a new broom on my last visit because there weren't any brooms available, today.  I was happy to get a new mop, though, as I had wanted a new one ($1.35 +$0.13 tax = $1.48).

In addition to the mop, I bought a 29 fl. oz. jar of coconut oil ($4.99), a pastry cutter (something I have always wanted; $2.70 + $0.26 tax), 1 package of chili mango ($2.70). 1 package of chocolate mints ($1.30), 1 can of corned beef ($3.60 and two packages of dried chilies ($1.99@) 

I spent a total of $21.04.

After I bought my items and put them in the trunk of my car, I went to the phone store.  The salesperson who was on duty was not very helpful, at all.  At first, he said he didn't even know what the device was!  I showed him the manual that came with it, but, he didn't know about such devices.  Of course, as luck would have it, all the lights, including the service signal light, were on and green in the store! Maybe the store was in a stronger service signal area!  But, I had taken photos of the lights flashing red at home and I was able to show him the photos.  Still didn't do anything for him and he was ready to dismiss me.  It was only when he saw the phone bill that he took me somewhat seriously.  Then, I told him that the phone company customer service agent had told me to buy a new SIM card and he gave me a new SIM card (it was $5, but, he was able to waive the fee), but, I was at once able to tell that this new SIM card wouldn't work on my old phone device as it was bigger for one thing!  He claimed he couldn't activate it for me at the store, that I had to call the phone company and have them activate it.   I asked for the earlier salesperson who assisted me when I bought my new cell phone from them, but, he was not in today, he will be in tomorrow, I was told, and I could return tomorrow if I wished to.  So, I took the SIM card he gave me and came home.

By this time, it was past 5:00 p.m. and I hadn't eaten anything except for the morning cup of tea and I was feeling tired and discouraged.  My daughter called to ask what happened at the store and I told her that although I received a new SIM card, it wasn't activated.  I had also received a letter from the phone company in the mail, today, that stated that my account information might have been compromised as a result of their recent data breach and I needed to reset my passcode, etc.  If it's not one thing, it's another, isn't it?

We tried to reset the phone and I moved it to a different location per instructions on the phone company website (to an outlet near a window on an outside wall) but, the red lights are still there.  At this point, I was ready to give up!

Anyway, daughter needed to go to her chorus rehearsal and I ate a sandwich and drank some diluted juice.  Then, I watched the evening news, replied to blog comments, visited a few other blogs, etc., took the trash cans to the curb, cleaned out the fridge of some leftovers that were too old to eat, and tried to put the phone issues out of my mind.

Later in the evening, I video chatted with my daughter and I have decided that I will go back to the phone store, tomorrow afternoon, and ask them to add a new cell phone line with my current home phone number, to my cell phone.  It is important for me to keep the current home phone number.  Once that has been installed, I will have two cell phone lines on my one cell phone.  I don't really need two cell lines, but, I want to make sure that the new line will work properly.  The plan is to go back in about a week or so, and remove the current cell phone line.  I don't like the idea of being without a landline/home phone, but, one has to move with the times, I guess.

On the positive side, if I do go with the cell line, I will be able to declutter three cordless phones and their charging bases plus the black box device and I can repurpose the small table in the hallway as a side table or another plant stand!  

Brunch was sandwich with the last of the leftover beef curry.  Dinner was leftover rice with the last of the leftover shrimp curry.  There is still a little leftover rice, but, I might make some fried rice with it, tomorrow.  I need to make a meal plan for the rest of the week; I'm not planning to go grocery shopping this week, so the meal plan is based on what's in the pantry and freezer:

Brunches: Scrambled eggs with toast or fried potatoes, pancakes or waffles, fried rice, French toast, toast with peanut butter, tuna salad sandwiches, muffins if I bake some

Dinners: Spaghetti with meat sauce (and leftover garlic bread); baked salmon with savory rice and broccoli or snow peas from the freezer; fried breaded shrimp with oven fried potato wedges and salad, leftovers from the spaghetti and the baked salmon.

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- A mostly sunny and warmer day
- A safe drive to the stores and back
- Getting a few bargain priced items from the dollar store
- My daughter's help and patience with me as I figure out the phone situation
- Having options

Monday's joyful activity was doing one final shop at the dollar store!  

Plans for Tuesday include another trip to the phone store!

How was your Monday?  Were you able to see the eclipse?  What are your plans for Tuesday?  

Rain on Thursday!

Raindrops on Blueberry Leaves

There was rain in the forecast for Friday (there still is rain on the forecast for Friday), but, it rained on Thursday, too!  The morning was mostly cloudy with the sun trying to shine through breaks in the clouds, but the rain clouds moved in during the late afternoon.

I was woken up by the sound of the phone ringing and, although it was identified as "suspected spam" and I didn't pick it up, I was happy to know that the phone was still working!  LOL.  

In the afternoon, the pharmacy called to let me know that Dancer's medication was ready for pick up.  So, I drove to the pharmacy to pick up the medication and then, went to the doughnut shop next to the pharmacy and bought myself a treat!

Yum!

I enjoyed my doughnut and a cup of tea after I came home and then, watched the evening news.  It was then that I heard the rain and went outside to take a photo or two, with this month's monthly photo challenge theme of "weather" in mind!  

One of the news items in the local news today was the announcement that my favorite dollar store will be closing!  All their stores in the four states in which they are currently located will be closed and liquidation sales will start as of Friday!  I was sad to hear that as I like shopping there and they have good bargains.  I'm glad that I was able to shop there when my daughter was here.  Daughter suggested that I go back and stock up on a few more of the items I regularly buy from them, but, I don't know if I will.  I feel so sorry for the store employees who will be out of a job, very soon.  

On Thursday, I was grateful for:

- The availability of medications for Dancer
- Friendly pharmacy staff
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Rain for the garden
- Working appliances and equipment!

Thursday's joyful activity was eating a doughnut!  LOL!

Plans for Friday include paying bills and tending to the garden, provided it doesn't rain so hard that M will not be able to garden!  We had planned to divide and repot the aloe vera plant, but, it can wait until next week.  

How was your Thursday?  What are your plans for Friday?