A New Pathway

From the Steps to the Garage

Last Friday, M picked up the paving stones I had asked him to buy for me and on Wednesday, he set them out.  I wanted the paving stones to extend the area in front of the back steps and create a path to the garage side door.

From the Garage to the Steps

When it rains (which it does, from time to time, believe it or not), this area of the garden tends to get a bit muddy and water will puddle where it runs off the patio roof.  I wanted a dry path on which to walk from the back steps to the garage side entrance and back.  The pavers are about 14 inches square.  I am still not quite sure of the layout. We had some of them staggered a bit, but, I decided I didn't like that (I was afraid that I might accidentally stub my shoe on the corner of one of them and fall).  I might move them closer together so that there are no gaps between them and make it more of a solid path than stepping stones.  Or, put the double pavers near the steps rather than near the garage door.

What do you think? 

Balanced Life Monthly Goals - October Review and November Goals

Once again, I'm late with reviewing and posting my monthly goals!  Talk about time management and procrastinating!  LOL.

Health, Self-Care & Well Being (6.75)(7.0):  The goal is good health.

October Health Goals Review:

My October health goal was to improve my health.  More specifically,

- consistently walk for 20 minutes daily

- increase the daily servings of vegetables to 3 and maintain that consistently
- decrease the consumption of added sugar
- reduce my weight by an additional 5 lbs. by the end of the month 
- Do another blood test at the end of the month

To that end, 

- I have been taking my medications and the supplements my doctor recommended that I take.

- I have been walking for 20 minutes, consistently, but, not quite daily. 
- I am still struggling to decrease my consumption of added sugar  and to have three servings of vegetables, consistently. 

- Nevertheless, I lost another 5 lbs. by the end of the month!  

- I did my blood test at the end of the month (on October 31)

I'm raising my satisfaction rating just a little bit to 7.0  

November Health Goals: continue to work on improving my overall health by:
- taking my medications daily

- walking for 20 minutes a minimum of 4 times a week

- increasing the daily servings of vegetables to 3 
- decreasing the consumption of added sugar
- maintaining my weight loss
- doing another blood test towards the middle of the month
- attending two doctors appointments

Time Management (8.00)(8.00): The goal is to spend my time in a mindful manner.

- Spend time purposefully, mindfully

- Procrastinate less

October Goals Review:
I tried to curb my procrastination tendencies, in October, and I think I didn't do too badly (although this review is overdue!)  Somethings that I didn't want to do did get pushed back, but, the important things were accomplished in a timely manner.

I have kept the same satisfaction level.  

November Time Management Goals: To continue to spend my time in a mindful manner and to procrastinate less.  

House (8.75)(9.0):  The goal is a home that is pleasant, comfortable, and welcoming.

October House Goals Review:

My October goals were to keep a pleasant, well maintained house, keep the horizontal surfaces cleared, and declutter 10 items a day for a total of 310 items for the month.

I started out the month well, especially with the decluttering, but, I ran out of steam halfway through the month.  I didn't meet my goal of 310 items decluttered, but, I did declutter a little over half that amount and I am pleased with the dent I made.  The house was dusted, swept, and vacuumed, and while not "company ready" according to my usual standards, when unexpected company did arrive, I felt comfortable enough about the house not to feel I needed to apologize for the state in which it was. 

 

I have increased the satisfaction rating, based on the amount of decluttering and tidying up that I did.  

November House Goals: Continue to keep a pleasant, well maintained house, keep the horizontal surfaces cleared, and continue to declutter, albeit at a slower pace.  

Spiritual (10)(10):   The goal is to live a spiritually meaningful life.

October Spiritual Goals Review:
I continued doing the things I consider as important to live a spiritually meaningful life with daily prayers, meditation, being kind and helpful to others, and cultivating gratitude.  Towards the end of the month, the monks at the temple provided me with an opportunity to help them out with a donation of thread in specific colors for an upcoming blessing event and I was very happy and thankful to be able to do that. I'm keeping the same rating.    

November Spiritual Goals: Continue to pray daily, meditate, cultivate gratitude, etc.  I have also booked the date for the year end almsgiving and that's something to look forward to in December.

Daughter (10)(10):  The goal is to continue to have a close relationship with her.

 

October Goals Review:  

My goal was to continue to maintain a close relationship with my daughter and I did that. There is no change in the satisfaction rating.   

November Goals: Continue to have a close relationship with my daughter.  My daughter came home for a visit on the first of November.  Initially, it was for a 12 day visit, but, because she is still unable to walk without crutches, she has received her supervisor's approval to continue to work from home and so, she will most probably stay with me for the month of November, returning to the Bay Area after Thanksgiving.  Lots of together time to look forward to.

Leisure/Crafts/Hobbies (10)(10):  The goal is to relax doing something I enjoy doing for the pleasure of it.

October Goals Review:
My October goals included engaging in more fun, relaxing activities including crocheting, reading and gardening and I did all of those.   I also watched videos and listened to CDs (before decluttering them).  I am keeping the rating the same.   

November Goals include more of the same plus maybe doing a craft project with my daughter while she's visiting. 

Garden (10)(10):  The goal is a garden that is productive, yet drought tolerant.

October Goals Review:
My October garden goals were to continue to nurture the fruit trees and vegetable plants, to clean up and maintain the garden, and to start thinking about planting cool weather plants.  Unfortunately, the September heatwave caused the persimmon tree to die, so we had to pull that up.  We will probably plant the tangerine tree in that spot, probably in the spring.  I am keeping the rating the same.

November Garden Goals:  Continue to clean up and maintain the garden.  Start planting cool weather vegetables and put in a new pathway of stepping stones to lead from the garage side entrance to the back steps.    

Family/Friends/Community (10)(10):  The goal is to have a close connection with family and friends and be involved with my community.

- Regular phone calls and emails, etc., to keep in touch with family and friends
- The occasional in person visits as and when I feel comfortable with doing so

- Participate in the blogging community and the online organizing community

October Goals Review:
I kept in touch with family and friends through phone calls, texts, and emails.  I participated in the blogging community, as well, and interacted with neighbors, especially new neighbor E who fixed my overhead garage door opener free of charge!  I am keeping the rating at 10.

November Goals will continue to be the same as above.  

Finances (10.0)(10.0):  The goal is financial security.

- Continue budgeting and spending mindfully, with purpose

October Goals Review:

My October goal was to continue to budget and spend mindfully, with purpose, and I believe that I have met my goals.

November Financial Goals: Continue to budget and spend mindfully, with purpose; I have also set up an appointment with my financial planner to go over my finances.

October was another good month.  I raised my satisfaction rating in two areas (Health and House), which was great and all of the other areas remained the same.  I feel very pleased about it.  I hope that November will be another good month.

How was your October?  Did you feel that there was balance in the different areas of your life?

November Grocery Shopping - Part 1

I ordered and picked up some groceries today (Tuesday).  I mostly wanted to buy some chicken breasts (buy 1 get 1 free) to make the stew for Wednesday and to have on hand.

I bought:

Dreyer's/Edy's™ Grand Mocha Almond Avenue Ice Cream Tub, 48 oz$3.99

1 x $3.99 $6.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00

Foster Farms Half Breasts with Ribs Cage Free Fresh & Natural Chicken, 1 pk$20.52

10.59 lbs x $1.93 $3.49 each (approx.)

Item Coupon/Sale: -$16.44 (the pack of free chicken)

Fresh Large Bartlett Pear - Each, large/ 1 count$2.44

0.98 lbs x $2.48 each (approx.)

Green Leaf Lettuce, 1 ct$1.99

1 x $1.99 each

Kroger® Rich N Honey Hot Dog Buns, 8 ct / 16 oz$1.79

1 x $1.79 each

Kroger® Russet Potatoes Big Deal in 10 lb Bag, 10 lb$4.99

1 x $4.99 each

Lay's® Barbecue Potato Chips, 7.75 oz$1.99

1 x $1.99 $4.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00

Lay's® Classic Potato Chips, 8 oz$3.98

2 x $1.99 $4.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00

Thomas' Plain Bagels, 6 pc / 20 oz (substitution item for store brand at store brand price)$2.79

1 x $2.79 each

Order Summary

Original Item Total = $72.92
Item Coupons/Sales = -$28.44

Order Total = $44.48

My November grocery budget is: $100 + $9.41 carried over from October + $71.84 carried over from September = $181.25.

My daughter will be staying with me for the month of November.  I am pretty sure I will be able to stay within budget, but, I might round it off to $200, if I need to.  

Have you done any grocery shopping in November, yet?

On Monday

On Monday, daughter worked from home.  I got up with her and made her a cup of coffee and made myself a cup of tea.  Then, while she worked, I sat outside in the sunshine (it was warmer outside than inside the house) and read my morning prayers.  Later, I watered the back garden.  

For brunch, we had leftover waffles with bacon and syrup. 

In the afternoon, I read a few blogs and relaxed.  Then, it was time for tea and news.  Later, I took the trash cans to the curb for pick up in the morning.

For dinner, I cooked a pot of rice, sauteed green beans, and peeled and sliced boiled beets to have with leftover chicken curry and tomato chutney.  There were the last of the Asian pears and strawberries for dessert.  I also had some yogurt with coconut treacle (daughter doesn't like yogurt).  

I haven't made a formal meal plan for this week, but, there are leftovers (rice, salmon, chicken curry, a bit of sauteed green beans and sliced beets), and I am planning to make a chicken stew for Wednesday's dinner as daughter is expecting one of her friends to come to dinner.  I have some bacon-wrapped hot dogs that I am planning to serve for dinner, one night (have to buy some hot dog buns) and there are frozen meatballs that can be had for dinner, another night.  

Brunches will include scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon (Tuesday), cereal and milk, egg salad sandwiches, French toast.

On Monday, I was grateful for:

- Time spent with my daughter
- A sunny day
- Water for the garden
- Emails from friends
- Working appliances

Monday's joyful activities included spending time with my daughter and reading blogs.

Plans for Tuesday include watching election results!

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

"Fall Back" on Sunday

New Houseplant

The clocks changed from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time on Sunday morning.  Sunset was at 5:00 p.m.  It was a windy, but, sunny, day, with the daytime high being in the low 70s.  Very pleasant and I opened the front door and a couple of windows to air out the house.

I made blueberry compote (using homegrown blueberries that I had frozen) and waffles for brunch; I had most of my waffle with chicken curry and the rest with the compote.

In the afternoon, I drove us to the library and we dropped off our ballots at the ballot drop off box and came home.  

Daughter had her usual Sunday evening game night with her friend who lives in Hawaii while I replied to blog comments and read a few blogs.  

We had leftover rice and salmon for dinner, with a side salad.  

Afterwards, I did the dishes, cleaned the litter box, chatted with friend R, and texted with one of my cousins.

It was a nice, relaxed day and I am grateful for:

- The sunny day
- Being able to vote
- A safe drive to the library and back
- keeping in touch with family and friends
- Having my daughter home

Sunday's joyful activity was spending time with my daughter.

Plans for Monday include watering the garden and taking the trash cans out, etc.

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

Starting November

 

Flowers on the Tomato Plant

Some of the Berkeley Tie-Dye tomatoes I grew in the summer had spoiled on the vine and I had tossed them into the nearby planting bed where the moringa tree is growing.  Some of the seeds from those tomatoes grew into seedlings and while many of them wilted and died during the summer heatwave, one or two seedlings survived and now, there are flowers on them!  

Close Up of the Tomato Flowers

I've no idea if they'll produce some tomatoes before the chilly winter nights kill the plants, but, we shall see what happens!  Maybe M and I can figure out a way to keep the plants protected from the cold!

The month of November started with fresh flowers (chrysanthemums from the garden) and milkrice, as usual.  I had ordered more thread for the temple and one of the monks stopped by in the morning to pick up the thread and he gifted me with a small houseplant, which was so kind of him.  After he left, I did a load of laundry and did a little last minute cleaning and tidying of the house, because I was getting ready for my daughter's visit.

Daughter was getting a ride down with her friend K (who had been her former supervisor).  They had set out early in the morning.  The original plan had been for K to drive directly to her hotel in Pasadena and I would drive to Pasadena to pick up my daughter.  But, as they reached the outskirts of Los Angeles, K had decided that she would be OK with making a small detour to drop daughter off at home, since it was on her way.  Daughter texted me to let me know about the change of plans.  I had about 20 minutes before they would arrive.  I had already tidied the house, but, I hadn't vacuumed the living room, so, I quickly swept the living room while I waited for them.

Daughter is still unable to walk without her crutches, so K helped her to bring in her backpack while I brought in her suitcase.  It was the first time I've met K.  She came in and asked if she could use the bathroom and have a glass of water.  As she returned from using the bathroom, she passed by the kitchen and she admired the kitchen (oh, I was so glad I had cleared the counters and washed and put away all the dishes!).  So, I gave her a quick tour of the house and the back garden, too (since she had admired the front garden as soon as she got down from the car) and, in addition to the water, I offered her some milkrice which she enjoyed.  We chatted for a bit before she left to go to her hotel and I thanked her for giving my daughter a ride home.  

Later in the evening, M brought me the pavers I had asked him to buy for me as I want to make a pathway from the garage to the back steps, since that area gets rather muddy when it rains.  I had made a small paved area, earlier, but, the plants in the stonery have covered that area!  He also potted up the two succulents he had brought me, earlier, and spot watered the garden.  And Lady Ella was right when she said that watering the garden was one way to encourage it to rain, because we had a little bit of a drizzle, today (Saturday) in the evening!

Later, I cooked a chicken curry and we enjoyed it with some salad and rice cooked with peas for dinner. For dessert, daughter and I had the last of the persimmons I had picked.  

I was rather tired by the end of the day and my hip was hurting.  But, on Friday, November 1st, I was grateful for:

- My daughter coming home
- Her friend K giving her a ride 
- Being able to provide more thread for the temple
- The gift of a houseplant from the monks at the temple
- M's help with the garden

Friday's joyful activity was welcoming my daughter home!

Today (Saturday), daughter and I both slept in, then, daughter spent an hour or so working on a presentation she has to give on Monday (she will be working from home next week), while I stripped my bed and did a load of laundry.  She had the leftover milkrice and seeni sambol for brunch and I had a bagel with cream cheese.  Later in the afternoon, we both filled out our ballots to be dropped off on Sunday (we had planned to drop them off later today, but, it was getting late and we decided to do it on Sunday).

After a cup of tea, I cooked the salmon fillet I had bought for dinner, with onions and tomatoes and spices.  There was leftover rice and more salad to go with it and strawberries for dessert.  

We were also blessed with a light shower of rain this evening!  It was more of a drizzle than a light shower, but, it's the first we've had since the end of May!

Later in the evening, daughter's friend A came over to visit her.  They are still chatting as I type this.  

On Saturday, I'm grateful for:

- Having my daughter home
- The first shower of rain for the season
- Working appliances
- Hot water on tap
- The sound of laughter from the living room as my daughter and her friend visit

Saturday's joyful activity was spending time with my daughter.  :)

Plans for Sunday include dropping off the ballots and relaxing!

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

October Decluttering: Part 4

My decluttering goal for October was 10 items a day for a total of 310 items.  Unfortunately, I fell behind almost right away, because I couldn't just pull out things, such as books, without wanting - no, needing - to at least look through them if not actually read them, again!   Then, I ran out of steam about halfway through and sadly couldn't meet my goal!  However, I made some progress and I am happy with that.

Past October decluttering posts:

Part 1 (Days 1-5)

Part 2 (Days 6 - 11)

Part 3 (Days 12 - 15)

Day 16: 1 book, 5 CDs, 2 items of clothing, 1 cookie tin, 1 spray on sunblock that a guest left behind after a pre-Covid weekend stay!

Day 16: 1 book, 5 CDs, 2 clothing items, 1 cookie tin, 1 sunblock

Day 17: Blue and White China - Currier and Ives tea cups and a broken bowl.

Day 17: 9 tea cups and 1 broken bowl

Day 18 - 1 stand fan

Day 18: 1 stand fan

Days 19 - 29:  Tossed and not photographed:

1 old litter box

1 old overhead garage door opener mechanism and sensors, etc.

1 old car security device

1 old mop head

Several leftover roofing "shingles" (not wooden shingles)

1 foil covered cardboard box that Mama Cat used to sleep in

3 bowls

Several leftover pieces of floor board trim

Multiple bags of paperwork, some shredded, the rest recycled

Several pieces of brown paper, bubble wrap, etc. that I had been keeping

Day 30: 1 dead persimmon tree (the patio umbrella couldn't save it - it got too scorched and dried up)

The Persimmon Tree Earlier this Summer

Day 31: Do the 4 vials of blood samples I gave at the clinic count?  No, I didn't think so!

- 2 jars

- another bag of paper for recycling

So, I was consistent and decluttered 10 items a day for the first 17 days of the month and then, averaged about 1 item a day for the rest of the month.  According to my calculations, I decluttered over 180 items.  Not as many items as I had initially set out to declutter, but, I am content with what I did declutter.  I focused more on visual clutter this month and I feel that I have made a dent.

I am sure I will find more to declutter, but, I will take it easy during November.   The November decluttering goal will be an item a day for a total of 30 items.  That will be more manageable, I think!

How did you do with your October decluttering?  Are you planning to declutter in November, too?