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?

When Friends Visit

 

Blueberry Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake

I had an email a couple of weeks ago from a long time friend who resides in another state, saying she would be attending a conference in my city and would I be free to meet?  I first met this friend 50 plus years ago, when we were freshmen students at the university.  She lived in the apartment downstairs and I lived in the apartment upstairs and she knocked on my door one evening and introduced herself to me and we hit it off right away.  We've remained friends, ever since, even though our friendship ebbed and flowed.  Weekly letters eventually became the occasional emails and there were years when we only exchanged birthday cards and Christmas greetings.  Occasionally, there would be a phone call and even more occasionally, she'd come down to attend a conference and we'd meet up.  The last time we saw each other was about 20 years ago.  The last time I spoke to her was a few years ago shortly after her mother's death.  But, when she emailed to say she'd be in town and would I be free to meet, I said, "Yes, of course!  I'd love to see you!"

She was free on Saturday afternoon and she said she'll come to my house.  That gave me the incentive I had needed to get the house cleaned and tidied up.  There were still a few items to put back in place after the painting and the place needed a good dusting and vacuuming and the family room needed to be tidied, as well.  I tried to do some of it earlier in the week, but, as usual, some tasks couldn't be done too early.  Most of the housework got done on Friday, before and after Dancer's vet appointment.  The main rooms were dusted and vacuumed. the bathrooms the cleaned and I might have got a bit carried away with cleaning my daughter's bathroom which is the bathroom the visitors use as I found myself washing the walls in addition to mopping the floor!  

I also made a quick trip to the grocery store to get some fresh milk and a container of passionfruit and grape juice drink.  I didn't want to do a big grocery shopping trip, so I shopped in person as I didn't have enough items to order and qualify for a free pick up.  I did see some garlic bread marked down from $2.49 each to $0.80 on the last day of the sell by date, in the reduced items rack, and picked up two packages of that to freeze for when my daughter comes home.  My bill came to $8 and some change.

Then, late Friday evening, I baked a cake to serve when my friend visited.  I found several recipes for blueberry yogurt cake online and picked one and then, proceeded to modify it a bit.  The recipe called for 3 large eggs, I decided that 2 would be fine.  It called for Greek yogurt, and I decided my homemade yogurt was good enough.  It called for unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp. salt, I used salted butter which is what I had and omitted the added salt, etc.  The cake turned out well:

Taste Test Slice

I cut the end slice to taste test it.

On Saturday morning, I made sauteed spiced garbanzo beans for a savory snack, sauteing canned garbanzo beans (chick peas) with minced onions, curry leaves, a sliced green chili, some mustard seeds, garlic powder, some curry powder, and salt.  I removed the dust sheets from the sofas, picked one or two roses (and quite a few wax beans) from the garden, tidied the kitchen a bit, and waited for my friend to arrive.

She arrived around 2:30 p.m.  and it was good to see her again.  Our friendship is such that it doesn't matter if it has been 20 years since we last saw each other or the last time we corresponded (prior to her email saying she was coming down for a conference) was at Christmas when we sent cards, we just pick up right where we left off and continue.  We were both a little older, a little greyer, a little more wrinkled, than the last time we saw each other, but, we talked non-stop for the rest of the afternoon into the early evening.  It was such a blessing to see my friend again.

I gave her a tour of the garden (she likes to garden, too), we ate the garbanzo beans and the cake and drank the passionfruit juice drink, later we had cups of tea, and I cooked us an early dinner of rice and curries (shrimp curry, parsley mallung, and dhal from the freezer, plus freshly made spicy sauteed potatoes, fried poppadums, and some of my tomato chutney).  Friend E left after dinner and we promised to keep in more frequent touch and not wait another 20 years to see each other again, as I said I was not sure if I'd be alive by then (she might be because she's a year younger than I am).  

After she left, I covered the sofas with clean dust sheets so Dancer could get on the sofas to nap, chatted with my daughter, and relaxed.

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Friend E visiting me
- A lovely way to celebrate the first day of summer
- Being able to put together a quick meal with minimal effort
- Finding it easy to pick up where we left off and chat for over 5 hours without any awkward pauses

- The neighbor's music stopped shortly after midnight!

Saturday's joyful activity was spending time visiting with my friend.

Plans for Sunday include doing some laundry, picking up a medication refill that is ready and waiting at the pharmacy, and processing the wax beans I've been picking and getting them ready to freeze.  

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

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?

Company on Wednesday

 

Succulents Flowers

More of the individual flowers on the aeonium flower stalk  are opening up

Close Up

The bees are very happy!

A Bee Enjoys the Nectar

Wednesday was a sunny and warm day with the afternoon high being almost 90F.  My friend R had said she will visit on Wednesday afternoon, so, in the morning, I cooked a chicken curry, a fresh pot of rice, and some sauteed broccoli for our lunch (along with some leftover dhal that I warmed up).  

M arrived to tend to the garden just before friend R arrived.  I chatted with him for a bit and left him to water the garden, which I chatted with R.  I did ask M if he'd like to join us for lunch and he did, although he preferred to eat his lunch outside in the garden.  I chatted with him while he ate and then, R and I had our lunch.

R stayed for the rest of the afternoon and we chatted about various things.  Then, after a cup of tea (no cake, this time) I dropped her off at her apartment.  It was nice to have her spend the afternoon with me.

In addition to cooking and having company, I did two loads of laundry, did the dishes, and tidied up the kitchen.  Then, I watched a few online videos, exchanged emails with a friend, and chatted with my daughter.  

I didn't make a meal plan for this week as there are plenty of leftovers in the fridge.  The chicken curry was something I had planned to make when my daughter was visiting, but, didn't make.  For dinner, I made some roti (flat bread)  to have with some of my chicken curry.  I made a very small batch with just a cup of flour; the dough yielded four small rotis.  I ate one and a half rotis for my dinner and the rest will be for another meal.  

On Wednesday, I was grateful for:

- A sunny, warm day
- M's help with the garden
- Friend R's visit
- Having company
- A safe drive to drop R off and back

Wednesday's joyful activity was spending time with both friend R and M.

Plans for Thursday include an appointment with my doctor, putting away the last load of laundry, and maybe some tidying of the house.

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

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.

Blueberries and Rose Lemonade

 

Blueberries

On Monday, I noticed that there were quite a few ripe blueberries on the bushes.  So, I decided to pick them:

Blueberry Pickings

A few of the berries weren't quite ripe, but, that's fine.  They are ripe enough for me to eat them.  I like them a bit on the tangy side, anyway.  

In the afternoon, I went to the library to return a book that couldn't be renewed any more; I hadn't quite finished reading it, though, so I borrowed it again, after making sure that no one had placed a hold on it.  Now I have at least three more weeks to read it.  It's not a big book and I should have been able to finish it sooner, but, I've not been reading that much, lately.

I didn't do a lot in terms of household tasks on Monday, but, I took the trash cans to the curb.  Throughout the rest of the day, I made a few phone calls with family, friends, the monks at the temple, and exchanged some emails with friends.  

I also made some rose lemonade:

Rose Lemonade

Fresh lemons from the garden, mixed with water, sugar, and rose syrup.  I might not have used enough syrup because I really couldn't taste the rose flavor, but, it was a very pretty color!

I should have made a meal plan on Monday, but, I didn't!  This week is probably going to be more leftovers and milkrice on Thursday.  I had a roast beef sandwich for brunch and more soup for dinner. 

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- A slightly warmer, sunny day
- Blueberries from the garden
- Libraries and being able to re-borrow the book I was reading
- A safe drive to the library and back
- Phone calls, emails, and texts with family and friends

Monday's joyful activity was picking blueberries.

Plans for Tuesday include some housework, a load of laundry, and meal planning.

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

This Week

Ladybug on Rose Leaves

This week started well two visits from friends on Monday.  Monday morning, I did two loads of laundry and did a little house cleaning and tidying.  In the  afternoon, friend R visited and we spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and having tea and cake.  Around 6:30 p.m., I drove her home and after I came home, I took the trash cans to the curb.  I had planned to water the back garden, but, it was too late to do so by then.  A little later, my late friend A's daughter stopped by to bring me some dinner.  

On Tuesday, I brought the emptied trash cans in, watered the back garden, washed my bed sheets and remade my bed, unraveled a sock I was knitting as it was turning out to be too big (I was trying to knit with two strands of yarn to prevent the heel from tearing), cooked a shrimp curry (had some of it with rice for dinner and froze the rest), and watched some videos online.  I also called the temple and spoke with the monks.

Wednesday was chilly and grey.  I felt cold and unmotivated to do much of anything.  So, I spent the majority of the day knitting on my sock, catching up on my blog reading, and watching online videos.  I did break down some boxes to recycle them, deadheaded some of the rose bushes, and when M came to tend to the garden in the afternoon, helped him to transplant the tangerine tree, out of its planter and into the ground.  M brought me two more rescued plants another client had tossed because they were both not looking their best - a pink double flowered kalanchoe (nothing wrong with it that a good watering wouldn't fix) and a pot of freesias with dried up flowers (he will share the freesia bulbs with me).  

Friend S called to ask if I had some items from Sri Lanka and if so, could she borrow them for a friend of hers to use for a cultural display; I told her she's welcome to borrow anything and she said she'll come over on Sunday to pick up the items.  I have some items I had already picked out to declutter and I can offer them to her to keep if she wants them, as well.

Later in the evening, I spent some time preparing 5 cups of rose petals to make a batch of jam, washing the petals and tearing off the white part at the base of each petal as that part is bitter.

So far this week, I've been grateful for:

- Visits and phone calls from friends
- A gift of a meal from one of them
- M sharing rescued plants with me

- M's help with the garden
- Working appliances

Joyful activities have included visiting with friends, spending time in the garden, and knitting.

It is early Thursday morning as I write this.  My plans for the day include a quick shopping trip to buy a box of 4 oz. canning jars for the rose petal jam I am planning to make.  

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

Ladybug

Did you know that a ladybug (also known as a ladybird in some parts of the world) is actually a beetle and not a bug?  

Easter Sunday

 

Gazanias

It was another warm (high of 77F) and sunny day, on Easter Sunday.  I had a very relaxed morning and spent some time in the garden, checking on the plants and getting a few steps in.  I picked some lemons and a few serrano chilies, too.

In the afternoon, I put away two loads of laundry and tidied up the big table in the family room.  It's the full sized folding table I brought in when the smaller dining table broke.  I keep it covered with a table cloth and it functions well as a convenient place to do crafts projects, prepare food, etc. (I don't have a kitchen table as the kitchen is too small for one), but, it is also a convenient place to put things like mail, packages, and baskets of laundry waiting to be folded and put away!  

Later, I was busy in the kitchen, doing dishes and wiping down the stove top and counters, etc., when my friend S called (not neighbor S) to ask if I was home.  I said yes, and she said she would stop by.  I knew what that meant - she was bringing me some Easter dinner!  I quickly put the lemons I had picked earlier into a bag to give her and a bunch of curry leaves, too.  And I was so glad that I had finished tidying the house!  I know she was not coming to see the state of the house (and she has seen it quite messy, at times), but, it felt good to have the place looking somewhat presentable.  Friend S, her husband, and their daughter brought me a lovely meal of yellow rice and curries (chicken curry, mixed pickle, cashew curry, sauteed eggplant "moju", and fried pappadum) plus a few pieces of S's homemade marshmallows.  I was going to take a photo, but, I forgot!  I gave S the bag of lemons and the curry leaves and she was very happy to receive them.  

Brunch had been buttered bread and a banana.  Dinner was some of the Easter dinner that friend S brought me.  Marshmallows for dessert.

Much later in the evening, around 8:00 p.m., the power went out!  The whole block was in darkness.  I switched on the flashlight I usually keep by my side and lit a few candles in the living room.  As always, when the power goes out in the evening, I become even more aware of how much I depend on having electricity!  Candle light is lovely, but, I can't see well enough to read, sew, or knit by it.  I can't go on the computer because there is no internet and I don't want to use my phone because I don't want to run down the battery.  And I worry about the food in the fridge (I know the contents of the freezer will keep cold for several hours).  What do you do when the power goes off and it is too dark to read, etc.?  I played the piano for a little bit. playing one or two songs I know to play by ear, while Dancer complained about the noise.  Then, I sort of snoozed a bit and waited for the lights to come back on!  The power was restored around 8:45 p.m. and I heaved a big sigh of relief!  

Today, I am grateful for:

- A lovely, sunny and warm day
- Friend S bringing me Easter dinner
- Lemons and curry leaves from the garden
- Electricity!
- Working appliances

Today's joyful activity was friend S visiting and bringing me dinner.

Plans for Monday include:

- A load of laundry (my bed sheets, etc.)
- Meal planning for the week
- Cooking
- Taking the trash cans to the curb
- A little more tidying
- Watering the back garden
- Maybe a visit from friend R in the afternoon

What are your plans for Monday?

Tuesday's Happenings

 

Nasturtium Plant

There are several more flowers on the nasturtium plant and I saw the beginnings of a seed forming!  I shall be sure to save the seeds from the plant to replant, next year.

On Tuesday, it was sunny and it warmed up to 68F in the afternoon.  I brought the empty trash cans in, watered a few select plants in the back garden and all the houseplants, did some housework, clearing off the dining table where I had been sewing, and cleaning the bathrooms.  I wiped down the kitchen counters, too, and ran the dishwasher.  

I made thin, crepes-like pancakes for brunch and we enjoyed them with sugar and lemon juice.  They are my daughter's favorite type of pancakes.  

In the afternoon, friend R visited and she brought some fast food (burgers and mini tacos) for us, which we had for dinner.  She stayed to tea and later, after daughter finished her work for the day, we dropped her off at her apartment.  

Daughter and I watched some online videos after we came home and relaxed.

On Tuesday, I was grateful for:

- A sunny and relatively warm day
- Weekly trash collections
- What housework I was able to accomplish
- Friend R bringing us dinner
- A safe drive to drop her off and return

Tuesday's joyful activity was having friend R over to visit.  

Plans for Wednesday include doing some paperwork/bill paying and tidying the family room.  It is supposed to rain in the afternoon, so, I'm not sure if M will be able to tend to the garden.  But, if it does rain, then, the garden will get watered.

How was your Tuesday?  Did you have pancakes?  What are your plans for Wednesday?

Saturday

 

Lahmajoon Compliments of Neighbor S and her Mother

Neighbor S called me on Saturday afternoon to say her mother was visiting her and had made lahmajoon (sometimes known as Armenian pizza) and would I like to have some.  I love their homemade lahmajoon so I said, "Yes, please" and S brought some over, still warm from the stove.  Daughter and I enjoyed them for our brunch.

Later in the afternoon, I replaced a stretched out elastic on the waistband of a long black skirt and ironed an outfit for daughter to wear to her friend V's birthday dinner.  They were going to a restaurant for a murder-mystery dinner.  Her friend V and V's husband gave daughter a ride to and from the restaurant.  Daughter wore a mask the entire time and brought her dinner home to share with me: salad, salmon in Dijon mustard sauce with potatoes, green beans, and carrots, and a piece of tiramisu for dessert.  Her friend V had given her own piece of tiramisu to my daughter to bring home to me, so we could each have our own pieces of tiramisu.  

While daughter was gone, I did a load of laundry and then, spend a pleasant evening playing with fabric.  I am sewing together pieces of fabric from the scrap basket.  There is no pattern, as of now.  I am just sewing small pieces of fabric to make fairly large rectangles and squares.  Eventually, I will put them together to make a quilt top or, perhaps, a pieced quilt backing!  For now, I am sewing for the pleasure of it.  How it ends up is anyone's guess!

On Saturday, I was grateful for:

- Neighbor S sharing her mother's homemade lahmajoon with us
- Daughter enjoying an evening out with her friends
- Daughter bringing her dinner home to share with me
- Her friend giving her piece of tiramisu to me
- Working appliances

Saturday's joyful activity was playing with fabric.

Plans for Sunday include putting in an order of groceries from the supermarket as daughter needs more half and half and I want more bread.  I'll also probably do a load of laundry, too.

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

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

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.

On Friday

 

Unhappy Kitty

Friday was another sunny, warm day, with a daytime high of 93F (33.8C).

Dancer's appointment to get his injection was at 1:00 p.m., but, he received his sedative at 11:45 a.m. The ride to the clinic was fine although he protested a little bit.  Then, as I turned into the parking lot, he started to heave and threw up.  Fortunately, I had put a towel under him so he didn't make too much of a mess.  When I went inside and told them what happened, we were shown to an empty examination room where I could clean him up a bit before he was taken to the back for his injection.  He was not a happy kitty.  

The journey home was much better, although once home, he made a beeline to the litter box!  Thank you for waiting until we got home, Dancer!

He spent most of the rest of the afternoon sleeping off the effects of the sedative.

Dancer Sleeps It Off

But, he's fine, now, and enjoyed his treat of canned tuna.

Later in the afternoon, I took friend R's packages to her, along with a bunch of curry leaves and a package of frozen grated coconut, as she had been telling me that she has been unable to find frozen grated coconut in any of the local stores.  I buy mine from the Sri Lankan store and I had stocked up on my last visit, so I was able to give her a package from my stock.  

After I came home, I moved my bed and unplugged the window air conditioner so that M could take it down for me, which he did.  He asked me how often I used it during this summer and I said maybe 3 times during the heatwave.  I might not have used it often, but, it was good to know that the air conditioner was available if I wanted to use it.

I cooked rice, mackerel curry, and dhal for dinner.  Later, neighbor S called and brought me some treats:

Treats from Neighbor S

A piece of coffee cake, some cookies, a carton of coconut water, and some chocolates.  I think the cake and cookies were from her younger daughter's birthday, midweek.  I ate some of the coffee cake for dessert and it was very good.

Later in the evening, I video chatted with my daughter.  She is still unable to walk even with the walking boot, but, she thinks her ankle is getting better.

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- Dancer's vet visit went fairly well
- I had a safe drive there and back
- I was able to drop off friend R's packages and take her some frozen grated coconut
- M's help with the garden and some household jobs
- Treats from neighbor S

Friday's joyful activities included chatting with M and visiting briefly with friend R and neighbor S.

Plans for Saturday include some housework, maybe a load of laundry, some decluttering, and maybe some crocheting.

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

Ten Years and Counting

 

Monday's Pickings

When I wrote my first blog post on July 20, 2014, stating that it would be a blog about "this and that", I really had no idea that I would still be writing about "this and that" ten years later!  Thank you to all of you who read and comment on my blog.

So, to continue with posting about "this and that", on Sunday evening, after I had posted my blog post about the warm weekend and how grateful I was for electricity to run the fans and appliances, around 9:00 p.m., the power went off!  My block was completely without power.  Fortunately, I keep a flashlight (or torch as I grew up calling them) near me and plenty of candles.  I lit several candles and there was sufficient light to see to clean the litter box and do the dishes, but, I couldn't do much else!  I didn't want to strain my eyes to try and read or sew by candlelight and while I crocheted a bit, I wasn't that interested in it.  Fortunately, it had started to cool off a bit, so, the lack of working fans didn't bother me too much.  Neighbor S called to say that her electric gate was not working and her daughters, who were coming home after having gone out earlier, couldn't find street parking.  Before she could even ask, I told her that they could park in my driveway and she thanked me.  I was glad I was able to help.  I Facetimed with my daughter because we couldn't video chat as usual.  Then, around 12:15 a.m., just as I was thinking that I might as well go to bed, the power came back on and, of course, I stayed up till past 3:00 a.m.!  LOL.

On Monday morning, I called in Dancer's medication refill to the pharmacy.  Then, I took the car in for a smog check to see if the exhaust emissions meet air quality standards; the smog check was required for renewing my car registration which is coming due.  There was no one else ahead of me, so, the mechanic was able to check my car right away.  My car passed the smog check, so now, I can go ahead and send in my renewal fees.  I relaxed during the afternoon and read.  

In the evening, when it had cooled off a bit, I took the trash cans to the curb for pick up in the morning, put water to the back garden, and picked some Meyer lemons, red Serrano chilies, a handful of okra, and a sprig of moringa leaves.  Then, I cooked dinner - rice, dhal with moringa leaves, sauteed okra, and sliced, sauteed hot dogs with onions, chili powder, and ketchup.  Brunch had been a cheese sandwich.

I also cleaned and polished a brass candle holder, a small, round brass tray, and another metal candle holder with a glass globe.  I had used both candle holders on Sunday night and they were full of melted wax which needed to be scraped out.   

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- The car passing the smog check
- The produce I was able to pick from the garden
- Water for the garden
- Being able to help neighbor S with the parking for her daughters the night before
- Power being restored

Monday's joyful activity was picking the lemons and vegetables from the garden.

On Tuesday, I  drove to the pharmacy to pick up Dancer's medication refill.  This is the pharmacy located next to the doughnut shop.  I bought an apple fritter, this time, instead of a doughnut.  It was delicious!  

In the afternoon, I made the appointment for my blood test prior to my next doctor's appointment.  It's not until mid-August, but, I wanted to make sure I booked a spot, without procrastinating like the last time.  I also checked the grocery ads for the week, although I haven't decided if I'll buy groceries this week.

In the evening, I walked for a little bit, chatted with friend R, watched some online videos, cleaned the kitchen a bit, and relaxed.  Dinner was leftovers from Monday.

Tuesday's Dinner

On Tuesday, I was grateful for:

- Dancer's medication was available without any problems
- A safe drive to the pharmacy and back
- Being able to make my blood test appointment
- Access to medical care
- Power to run the fans, etc.

Tuesday's joyful activities included enjoying an apple fritter for brunch and keeping in contact with friends through emails and phone calls.

Which brings us to Wednesday.  Plans for Wednesday include tending to the garden with M.   

What are your plans for Wednesday?

Sunday

The New Stand Fans

Daughter assembled the new stand fans, today, and we tested them and they both work well.

Today, we spent a fairly relaxed morning.  In the afternoon, we visited one of my daughter's friends who had a baby at the end of June.  Daughter has been friends with V since high school and was one of V's bridesmaids.  V has an older daughter who will be two later this month and the new baby is also a daughter.  My daughter took two gifts for them, a toy for the older girl and a set of three onesies for the baby.  V's mother was also there, helping V to take care of the children and I was glad to see her.  As I told her, I will never forget the fact that she came over to my house twice a week to clean the litter box while I was undergoing my chemo treatments, because I had been told not to do it, by my oncologist.  That was such a blessing! She also put me on her church's prayer list and sent us a picture of my name on the list.

On the way back from the visit, we made a stop at our favorite Thai food place and picked up some fried rice and beef salad to bring home for lunch.  Daughter also bought herself a Thai ice tea.

After lunch, I felt very sleepy and as it was also rather warm, I put the AC on in the bedroom for the first time this summer and took a nap!  

Later, after I had woken up from my nap, I called friend R and chatted with her for a bit, then, cooked the beef chuck roast I had bought, earlier.  I made about 2/3 of it as devilled beef, with onions, peppers, and tomatoes and the balance became a curry with coconut milk gravy.  I froze most of each dish for daughter to take back with her, along with the rest of the sauteed green beans.  When she goes back on Monday night, she won't have time to grocery shop until the weekend, so having some curries from home will help.  All she will have to do is cook some rice.  

I took a short walk today and didn't experience any pain, so that is good.  

Today, I am grateful for:

- Daughter assembling the new fans for me
- Electricity to run the fans and the AC in the bedroom
- Being able to visit daughter's friend's baby
- Daughter's friend's mother who helped me during my chemo treatments
- Afternoon naps

Today's joyful activity was holding a newborn!  

Plans for tomorrow include taking my daughter to the airport in the evening, watering the garden, and taking the trash cans to the curb.

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

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.  

Productive Tuesday

Alstroemeria

On Tuesday morning, Dancer's pharmacy staff called to let me know that they have received the refill request from the vet's clinic and it will be ready for pick up on Wednesday, did I have enough medication to last until then?  I said yes, I had enough.  

Alstroemeria Close Up

Then, it was time to get ready to take the car in for a service.  These services usually take about 4 to 5 hours, depending on how busy they are and what else they find they need to do, other than the basic oil change and checking fluid levels, etc.  They offer you a free ride home from the service center, but, you have to find your way back to pick up the car afterwards, so, I usually go prepared to wait in their waiting lounge.  I took my prayer books and two crochet projects to do while I waited, as well as a bottle of water and a granola bar for brunch.  

My appointment was at 11:00 a.m. with a particular service consultant, as they are called.  Usually, if you have an appointment, they take your car in at once.  However, this time, I had to wait almost 30 minutes before the person with whom I had the appointment to come and check the car in.  When he did, I complained a little bit about the delay, because at least five other cars that came in after me were taken in for servicing.  He apologized and said that they've had a new computer system installed and today was the first day they were using it and they are experiencing all kinds of delays.  However, in order to make up for the delay, he will give me a free ride both home and back.  And he noted that on the service order and went with me to the desk where they arrange for the ride services and informed them that I get both a free ride home and a free pick up, when the car was ready.

So, I got a free ride home in a Tesla!  It was the first time I had ridden in one, but, although they are supposed to be self-driving, the driver did keep his hands on the wheel for the most part (he took his hands off the wheel for a very short distance to show me how it worked).  

I was happy to wait at home, as it was more comfortable than waiting in the service center's lounge.  I replied to blog comments, watched some videos, crocheted a bit, and cleaned the laundry area.  

While I was waiting at home, the general manager at the car service center texted me to say that my car model was in high demand and they would like to purchase it, and to call or reply to the text to discuss the matter.  Well, no, I am not willing to sell my car!  It is my only car and if I sell it, I'd need to buy another car to replace it and I don't want to do that, yet.  So, I ignored the text.

The car service consultant called me around 4:30 p.m. to say that the car was ready and they will arrange for a ride service to pick me up.  I had a short wait, after I reached the service center, but, I didn't mind that.  There is a TV in the waiting lounge and while the volume was turned down low, I was able to watch part of a cooking show that I enjoyed.  While I was waiting, friend S (not neighbor S) called to ask if I was home as she wanted to stop by.  I said I was at the car service center, waiting to pay and pick up my car, but, I should be home in about half an hour.  She said she and her husband will swing by, and if I am not home, they will leave something for me on the door step.  

Soon after that, I paid the bill for the car service ($500+) and drove home.  I had just pulled into the garage when friend S and her husband pulled into the driveway!  It was S's husband's birthday and they brought me dinner!  How lovely is that?

Rice and Curries from Friend S

Ghee rice, chicken curry, green beans, sauteed eggplant, and cashew curry (in a bag so that the gravy wouldn't spill).  I gave them a bag of peaches, a bunch of curry leaves. and a few green chilies in return.  I enjoyed the dinner they brought me and there's a little leftover for Wednesday's brunch.

On Tuesday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to get the car serviced
- Getting a free ride both home and back to the service center
- Friends who bless me with dinner
- Being able to share some of the garden produce with them in return
- Phone calls with friends and video chats with daughter

Tuesday's joyful activities included visiting with friend S and her husband for a few minutes and enjoying the dinner they provided. 

 Tuesday's To Do List:

- Take the car in for the service - DONE
- Dust and vacuum the bedrooms and hallway STARTED
- Bring the trash cans in - DONE
- Tidy the laundry room (one of the Rooms of the Week) - DONE
- Pick more fruit - DONE

I didn't finish my Tuesday's to do list, but, I'm happy with what I got done.

Wednesday's To Do List:

- Tend to the garden with M
- Pick up Dancer's medication
- Dust and vacuum the bedrooms and hallway
- Do a load of laundry
- Run the dishwasher

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