Sunday's Accomplishments

Sunday morning, I wrote my blog post for the Pause in Advent series, as I paused in my almsgiving preparations.  I knew what I wanted to say, which was to do whatever one is doing in good faith, but, I never know just how much background information to provide to give the proper context for what I am saying.  I ended up deleting most of what I wrote and rewriting the post.  That took a little time.

While I was writing the post, I received a phone call from the chief monk at the temple.  He was calling to let me know that the monk with special dietary needs will not be attending the almsgiving, as he had just informed the chief monk of his intention to attend another event.  So, there will be no need to prepare special food for this one monk; the four monks who will be attending will be happy to have Sri Lankan rice and curries.  Although I was fine with preparing non-spicy food for the one monk, I was also happy to know that I didn't need to cater for him.  Because, last year, when he attended my almsgiving, the monks brought with them a container of grilled chicken for him and asked my friend to warm it up for him.  Both my friend and my cousin who were helping me with the almsgiving were shocked, as they know that I serve only vegetarian food at my almsgivings.  They both informed me about it, but I shrugged - it was something the monks brought with them for that particular monk, not something I had prepared.

I am not a vegetarian, so it might be that I am being hypocritical, but, I try to keep my almsgiving as a vegetarian meal.  I don't prepare any fish or meat to serve at the almsgiving, only eggs, because one of the older chief monks had assured me that it was OK to serve eggs since most commercially sold eggs here are unfertilized eggs.  I know that monks aren't specifically required to be vegetarian, and some of them eat fish and chicken, but, I prepare vegetarian meals for them and they are obliged to eat what is served to them.  My daughter was going to make a vegetarian pizza and some roasted vegetables to provide non-spicy alternatives and I was considering adding fried rice or noodles to the menu, but, not the chicken fried rice that had been suggested!  I had stressed over it and had discussed it with both my daughter and friend R and we had agreed that it was my almsgiving and I was free to serve what I pleased.  If I wanted it to be a vegetarian meal, then, that's what it should be.  I told them that, if my mother had been alive, she would have had something to say to the chief monk about it!  LOL!

So, when the chief monk called to say that the other monk will not be attending, and the special dietary needs became a non-issue, I felt relieved, and, I felt that maybe my mother's spirit had played a role in it!  It is something I intend to discuss with the monks.

Sunday afternoon, I did more almsgiving preparations.  I have a wheeled trolley table/cart I use as a side table in the family room:

Trolley Table

I bought this from a second hand store, years ago, for $42.  The drop leaves on either side extend out to make a square table, and the shelf below is a tray that can be lifted out.  Ideal for serving tea, I suppose.  During my almsgivings, I use it as an extension of the altar and place the offerings of food, flowers, incense, and candles on it (it will be covered with a small table cloth, first).

Then, I took down the plates, soup mugs, bowls used for handwashing, etc., that are used exclusively for the almsgiving (as per my mother's wishes) and washed them, in readiness for use. 

And I vacuumed the house, which was a major accomplishment! 

I didn't make the table runners I had planned to make, but that is OK.  I will get them done, this week.

Neighbor T called in the afternoon and we chatted for a bit.  Later in the evening, I called friend R and we had a long chat.   Still later, I video chatted with my daughter.

On Sunday, I was grateful for:
- The situation with the almsgiving menu resolving itself and becoming a non-issue
- All what I accomplished with the house cleaning and the almsgiving preparations
- A long chat with friend R
- Video chatting with my daughter
- Sunny, warm days

How was your Sunday? 

Christmas Placemats

56steps wanted to see what the table in the family room looked like with the Christmas placemats:

Family Room Table

Red plaid table cloth and the Santa placemats I sewed several years ago (mid 1990s, I believe), using a preprinted fabric (both table cloth and placemats bought during after Christmas sales).  I outline quilted around Santa's face and hat.

Santa Placemats

The mittens on either side are pockets to hold the napkins and cutlery.  I have red plaid napkins, too, but this time I used the floral napkins that match the holiday chair pads I put on the chairs:

Holiday Chair Pads

There are matching toss pillows, too, in the floral fabric, for the family room sofas.  The napkins, chair pads, and toss pillows were bought during an after-Christmas sale, one year, at least 20 years ago, if not more!

The placemats are backed with the "cool Santa" fabric I bought at or around the same time as the printed placemats.  This is the fabric that I used to sew one of the sets of pillowcases, earlier this year, and there are still some small scraps of it leftover!

The backing fabric

When I bought the preprinted placemats fabric, I bought 3 panels (each panel had 4 placemats printed on it).  I gifted two sets of 4 placemats, that year, and kept one set for myself.  I bought two preprinted apron panels, too, which featured the same Santa face and mittens.  I sewed the aprons and included them with the placemats I gifted. 

I haven't taken down the Christmas china, yet.  Might do that after the almsgiving. 

Hope you enjoyed seeing my Christmas placemats.

A Pause for Faith/Sraddha

I am pausing in my almsgiving preparations to link up with Angela at Tracing Rainbows, in her Pause in Advent.

This is a busy time of the year for many of us, as we rush about making all those preparations for whatever it is that we celebrate at this time of year, whether Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or an almsgiving.  Sometimes, we get stressed and frazzled by all the preparations.  Then, it becomes an onerous chore and we complain about all what we have to do and it becomes all too easy to forget why we are doing what we do, our original intentions, which might have been to express our devotion, to affirm our faith, to bring joy to others, or, simply to celebrate.

Yesterday, as I rearranged the furniture in the living room to accommodate the seating arrangements for the monks who will be arriving for the year-end almsgiving, I spent some time reflecting on what I am doing and why. 

"Sraddha" is a Sanskrit word (in Pali, the liturgical language of Buddhism, the word is "saddha") which means anything done or said with sincerity and faith.  By definition, it is intentional.  If one does something with sraddha, even the most mundane act becomes elevated into something that is meritorious and an expression of ones devotion and faith.   It becomes a meditation as one concentrates on what one is doing (moving a piece of furniture) and considers the reasons why: so the monks can be seated in a manner in which one doesn't show disrespect to them by turning our backs to one of them while serving another, because the disciples of the Buddha are worthy of respect and showing respect to them is a meritorious deed.  The faith comes in with the equating of meritorious deeds with beneficial repercussions, in the belief that good deeds or karma (karma means deed or action, in Sanskrit; the Pali word is kamma) will have beneficial results and that the accumulation of such beneficial results will make our present lives easier and better and will result in a better life after death, and may eventually lead to that state of Nirvana (Nibbana in Pali) at which point there is no more rebirth after death.

So, as I make my preparations for the almsgiving, I do so with intention, with purpose, with focus, with faith, with devotion, with sraddha.    Just as faith and devotion will lead to the lighting of Advent candles in other homes, on this third Sunday leading up to Christmas.  May our faith in whatever we believe, sustain and bless us and elevate all our actions from the mundane to an expression of devotion.

Holiday Preparations on Saturday

I felt tired and slept in on Saturday.  As a result, I took it easy in the morning. 

In the afternoon, I wrapped up some of the Christmas gifts I have bought or made.

Calendar: Psalms

I bought some calendars from the dollar store to give as gifts, this year.  The one below includes a smaller calendar and a planner, as well. 

Calendar: Kittens

As part of wrapping my gifts, I organized the wicker chest where I store the gift bags and rolls of gift wrap, etc.  I had tried to keep the Christmas gift bags on one side and the all occasion gift bags on the other side, but, over the course of the year, things had got mixed up.  So, today, I pulled everything out, sorted them, and put things back, again.  In the process, I found a new packet of white tissue paper, which I had forgotten I had!  A good thing, too, because I had been thinking I needed to buy another packet of white tissue paper!

I used all the Christmas gift bags I had in my stash, except for one rather over-sized one, as well as a few all-occasion ones (they were silvery and glittery, so I figured they would be OK for Christmas) for the gifts I had ready.  I used the few boxes I had, too.  I am going to need to get a few more bags or find some boxes for the rest of my gifts! 

After that, I set up the small dining table in the family room with some of the Christmas placemats and napkins, etc.  I can't set the big dining table until after the almsgiving.

Then, I dusted the living room and moved the furniture a little, as part of my almsgiving preparations!  Normally, the sofa and love seat are set up on either side of the fire place, facing each other.  For the almsgiving, I move the love seat to be in front of the fireplace so that it and the sofa are in an L-shaped arrangement.  The monks sit on the sofas during the almsgiving to have their meal, not at the dining table.  The sofas are arranged thus so that we don't turn our backs to any of the monks when we serve them the food.  The monks generally do not help themselves to a dish; we take the dishes to them and serve the food to their plates or begging bowls.  I could move the sofa, too, so that they form one straight line.  That would work, too, but that would mean moving the big brass lamp and the potted dracaena plant and that's more moving of stuff than I want to do!  The monks seat themselves in order of seniority based on how many rainy seasons they've observed as monks and the food is offered in order of seniority, too.

Speaking of food:

Gold Kiwi

 On one of my earlier trips to the dollar store, I had bought a bag of gold kiwi (1 lb. kiwi for $1), as daughter had mentioned trying them.  She had said to wait until they were soft and ripe, so, as soon as one was ripe, I cut it open to try it.

Gold Kiwi

It didn't look quite as golden as what is shown on the bag, but it was a paler green than regular kiwi.  It tasted quite sweet and mild, which I liked.  I am waiting until the rest of the fruit becomes ripe.

Today, I am grateful for:

- A sunny, warm day

- Being able to sleep in

- What I was able to accomplish

- Exchanging emails with a friend

- Video chatting with my daughter

Sunday's To Do List:

- Grocery shop for bread and milk

- Make two more table runners

- Dust the dining room and family room

- Vacuum

How was your Saturday?  What are your plans for Sunday?  Have you tried gold kiwi?

Productive Friday

Yesterday had been sunny and warm (upper 70s); today was overcast and cool (lower 60s).  I prefer sunny and warm!

Yesterday, I had received a phone call from one of the doctor's offices, saying that they were trying to get authorization from my health insurance for the January follow-up appointment, but they were told that my account was "inactive"; they urged me to call my insurance carrier and have them activate it!  So, I called insurance and they assured me that my coverage went into effect on the first of November.  I called the doctor's office back and they checked the system and said that, no, it still showed inactivated.  They told me to call my medical group/IPA.  I tried to call the IPA, but, it was 5:00 p.m. and hey were closed.

So, this morning, I called the medical group/IPA to ask that my account be activated.  Of course, the first thing the person said was, "Call your insurance", but I assured her that I had spoken to insurance and they had said my insurance was effective as of November 1 and the doctor's office had said to call the medical group.  She checked and admitted that my account stated inactive and didn't know why; I explained about retiring and she said she'll look into it and call me back and took my phone number.  After that, of course, I didn't want to leave the house to run errands, in case she called (I don't like to give my cell phone number and usually give my home phone number).  Instead, I wrapped up the table runner I made for my niece and packaged the box of gifts.  Then, I cooked the cashew curry.  Around 11:30 a.m., I called the medical group, again, to follow up, since I hadn't heard back.  A different person answered, I explained, again, what had happened and told her I needed to know whether to reschedule my doctor's appointment on Monday.  She checked the computer and said my account showed active as of December 1.  Um, it should have been as of November 1, but, I'll accept December 1.  She also said that there was no indication in their system of an appointment on Monday!  I tried to call the doctor's office, but their phone line was busy.  I guess I had better call the doctor's office on Monday to find out if I am still scheduled to be seen later that afternoon!
    

Later in the afternoon, I ran my errands.  I went to the lab to get my blood test done.  I went to the post office and mailed my package.  After that, I stopped at the optician's office to have my new distance glasses adjusted as they kept slipping down my nose and that would pinch my nostrils so I found it hard to breathe!  I was forever pushing them up!  Then, I went to the nearby department store to see if there was a sweater for one of my aunts, but I didn't find anything I thought she would like.  I have one other store to shop before I give up and get her a gift card!  I went to the bank, too, but it was very crowded and the line was very long, so I left.  Friday afternoons are probably not the best time to go to the bank.  I will go on Monday or Tuesday.  Finally, I put gas to the car and came home. 

Then, I had a late lunch and aired the house.  M came over to do the garden and after he left, I had a cup of tea and fell asleep on the sofa while watching news!  Oops!  I hadn't planned to nap!  

Later, I froze the cashew curry, did the dishes, and wiped the stove top and counters. 

Today, I am grateful for:
- A productive day
- Being able to get the insurance account activated
- Being able to mail my package without any trouble
- Video chatting with my daughter
- Warm knitted blankets

Saturday's To Do List:
- Wrap and tag the gifts I have ready
- Make a few more gifts
- Write greeting cards
- Dust and vacuum the living room and dining room

How was your Friday?  What have you planned for the weekend?

More Holiday Gifts

On Thursday, I spent the morning preparing my almsgiving schedule.  Then, I called the temple and spoke with one of the monks to discuss the menu to make sure I had enough of a choice for the one monk who can't eat rice and curries.  That done, I put the cashews to soak so I could cook and freeze them in advance.  My plan is to cook as much as I can, ahead of time, so I won't have a lot to do on the day of the almsgiving.

Then, I spent the rest of the day making holiday gifts:

Embroidered T-Shirts

For my niece's sons - the script is Sinhalese.

"Aiya"/Big Brother

I wrote the letters free-hand, without using a template (a template would have been a good idea, I'm thinking, seeing how uneven the letters are!), with dressmaker's chalk.    Then, I chain stitched over the chalk outline.  However, the chalk kept disappearing!  (Nil, don't laugh at my lettering!)

"Malli"/Younger Brother

One year, I embroidered T-shirts with their names in Sinhalese lettering and that, apparently, was a big hit!  Their father said that those T-shirts were, so far, his favorites of the gifts I've given to the boys and the older boy said he has his T-shirt mounted on his bedroom wall!  I am hoping that these T-shirts will be as well received!  They are also getting the Christmas pillowcases I made, earlier.

I wrapped the pillowcases and the T-shirts and a jar of my strawberry jam (the jar was well wrapped in bubble wrap and foam).  But there was still some space in the box and I needed something to cushion the jar of jam, so it won't get shaken about.  I decided that a table runner would be an ideal gift to give to my niece:

Holiday Table Runner

There was just enough of both fabrics to make the table runner.  I didn't have enough leftover quilt batting, so I used up a piece of fleece fabric leftover from one of daughter's anime cosplay costumes.  I had to patch it a bit to have a big enough piece, but that was OK.  The back of the table runner is a solid dark green fabric.  It was brought to the front and sewn down to form the binding.  I will finish packaging it and mail it on Friday (it needs to go out of state).  Hope the jar of jam travels well!

Today, I am grateful for:
- Being able to make some of my holiday gifts
- The fabric stash!
- Time to sew
- A working sewing machine
- Bubble wrap!

Almsgiving Preparations - 2018

I have less than 10 days left to prepare for the almsgiving, scheduled for Saturday, December 22.  Time to review my checklist and schedule!  This year's almsgiving is being held a lot later in the month than on previous years and I think that is why I am feeling like I am behind with my preparations, when I am not!  There is only so much I can do ahead of time.  My daughter will arrive on Thursday night (December 20) and she will help with the preparations on Friday.

So far, I have accomplished the following:

- Set the date/invited the monks/invited the participants
- Made the menu
- Checked supplies (non-grocery)/shopped for items needed
- Confirmed the date with monks
- Shopped for non-perishables

Almsgiving Menu:

Vegetable soup
White rice
Red rice
Bread and butter
Vegetarian pizza (daughter will make)
Cashew curry
Dhal curry (already prepared and frozen)
Garbanzo/edamame/carrot salad
Cucumber/tomato/red onion salad
Either boiled eggs to serve with cucumber salad or egg curry
Sauted green beans
Pappadum

Desserts:
- Variety of candies/sweets/chocolates
- Variety of fresh fruits, cut up
- Yogurt and treacle
- Apple dump cake

The menu is being adapted a bit to suit the dietary needs of one monk who can't eat any spicy food.  So, I will keep aside some of the boiled cashews and the boiled eggs, before I make the curries, and saute the green beans without any spices for him.  The bread and butter is also for him, as last year, he preferred that to rice.

Still to do:

Dec. 13 - Dec. 20:
- Go to the bank/Get donations ready
- Call and remind the invitees - STARTED
- Start cleaning the house
- Collect casserole dish from cousin
- Cook and freeze cashew curry
- Rearrange furniture - sofas, coffee tables, tall round side table (for reliquary), trolley (for plates of offerings), remove blue & white vases near fireplace (so I can set the small sofa in front of the fireplace)
- Take down dishes used only for almsgiving and wash them
- Take out serving dishes, basins used for washing hands, serving spoons, etc.
- Take out plates, bowls, etc. for guests
- Keep a curious kitty away from the dishes!  We do not want kitty nose prints on the washed dishes!

Friday, Dec. 21:
- Go grocery shopping for perishables
- Buy flowers/pick from garden
- COOK!
- Put cashews and dhal to thaw
- Set out items needed for the transfer of merit: teapot, cup, and water basin; fill teapot with water
- Set out candles/incense sticks & holder; lighter/matches
- Set out new bottle of water for blessing; bowl to catch drips when blessed water is poured out
- Set out items for washing hands: fresh cake of soap, hand towels, jugs & basins

Saturday, Dec. 22 (day of almsgiving):
- Bake apple dump cake
- Daughter to make vegetarian pizza
- Take out chair covers, table cloths, napkins, etc.; cover chairs, tables
- Arrange flowers in vases
- Cut up fruits and arrange in saucers; cover
- Arrange a variety of sweets in saucers; cover
- Dish out yogurt into bowls; cover
- Pour palm treacle into sauce boat (to be served over yogurt)
- Dish out dump cake, cover
- Cook rice (2 types - white and red)
- Make salad
- Warm up curries; dish out into smaller serving dishes for serving to monks; bigger serving dishes for guests
- Serve up offerings to the Buddha and offerings for the Order of Monks
- Boil water and keep warm for those monks who prefer hot water
- Pour water and juice into glasses

10:30 a.m. - Everything should be done and ready; guests arrive and their contributions added to offerings to the Buddha and the Order of Monks

11:00 a.m. - Monks arrive; Offerings to Buddha, Order of Monks, etc. take place and service begins with devotions being recited.

11:30 a.m. - Lunch is served to the monks

12:00 noon - Monks finish their lunch, plates are cleared, a sermon is said, blessings are chanted, merit gained from almsgiving is transferred to departed loved ones, donations are offered to the monks.

1:00 p.m. - the monks leave, the religious ceremonies are concluded, lunch is served to all those who participated.

Followed by washing up and cleaning and putting things away until the next time!   My family and friends usually help me with the washing up and putting away the food and putting the furniture back in place.


It's a lot of work, I know, but I will try to pace myself and do as much as I can in advance.  My daughter will prepare some of the dishes for me.  Friend R has promised to come early on Saturday morning to help, as well. 

In the meantime, I need to get my Christmas gifts ready and attend the three medical appointments scheduled between now and the almsgiving!  I am off to put the cashews to soak and work on one Christmas gift!