March Grocery Shopping Part 2

I put in an order of groceries, today, and picked it up in the afternoon.

I bought:

1 quart half and half (32 fl. oz.) = $3.49

1 cantaloupe, on sale = $2.00
*(store was out of whole cantaloupe, so they substituted a bowl and cup of cut up cantaloupe)

4 bananas (1.73 lb. @ $0.68/lb.) = $1.19

3 lb. strawberries @ $1.99/lb. with coupon = $5.97

2 cucumbers @ $0.89 = $1.78

Green beans, 1.08 lb. @ $2.99/lb. = $3.23

Russet potatoes, 5 lb. bag, on sale with coupon = $1.99

Dinner rolls, 12 count, 16 oz. with coupon = $2.00

1 cranberry juice cocktail, 64 fl. oz., with coupon = $2.35 + $0.10 deposit = $2.45

Sugar, 3 bags 4 lbs. each, $2.49@ with coupon = $7.47

Original order total = $45.69
Coupons/sales discount = $14.12
Total paid = $31.57

March Grocery Budget = $100 + $17.59 carried over from February  = $117.59

Spent to date = $83.92 + $31.57 = $115.49

Balance remaining = $2.10

I'm quite pleased with how the grocery budget worked out, this month, because I didn't increase it to accommodate my daughter being home for what will be two weeks during this month.  I don't think I will need to buy more groceries during the rest of this month, but, if I do, I'll deduct it from the April budget.

I am not counting the eating out to celebrate daughter's birthday, the fruit tart I bought to take to my cousins, and a few other snacks we bought while out and about, in this month's grocery budget.  They are special treats and one time expenses, and will be paid from the "miscellaneous" budget!

How is your March grocery shopping coming along?  Will you be able to keep to your budget, do you think?

The Front Garden in March

The Front Garden in March (2024)

March is definitely the month for the front garden!  This is a photo-heavy post, I'm warning you!  LOL.

Front Garden on a Sunny Day in March

The self-sown osteospermum flowers are everywhere (and I'm not complaining!)

View From the Sidewalk

Looking Towards the Side Fence and Succulents Border

Looking Down Along the Succulents Border

I love how the osteospermum flowers are filling in the bare spots!

I'm Allowing Them to Grow Where They Will!

Down by the succulents border, the bulbine plant that was in bud in February, is flowering: 

Bulbine Plant

Bulbine Flower Close Up

One of the aeonium plants in the succulents border is also flowering:

Aeonium Arboreum "Zwartkop" in Flower

The leaves should be darker, almost purple, but, they are not getting enough sun, right now, to darken.  

Elsewhere in the garden, these aeonium plants, which were given to me by a former supervisor, are growing to dinner plate sized rosettes and are thriving!

More Aeonium Plants

Another Look at the Lantana/Osteospermum Border!

The mixed planting bed along the walkway to the house (and more osteospermum plants filling bare spots):

The Mixed Planting Bed

Among the plants growing in the mixed planting bed:

The Pomegranate Tree is Leafing Out

The Jasmine Vine is Flowering

Harlequin Sparaxis Flowers (and purple osteospermum)

And finally:

Rose Buds on the Climbing Rose 

That is the front garden in March!  I ignored the succulents in the circle and the plants growing around the eucalyptus tree, this time!  The front garden looks a bit wild with all the osteospermum growing everywhere, and not at all well manicured, but, I really like how it looks, right now.  

I'm grateful for:

- Having a garden
- M's help with the garden
- All the rain we had earlier this year
- The flowers
- Feeling better

Today's joyful activity was strolling around the front garden.

My leg feels a lot better, today, and I managed to walk for 10 minutes, after I took the photos of the front garden. 

I boiled mung beans for our brunch today; I ate them with katta sambol and my daughter ate them with sugar.  For dinner, I thawed a package of chicken curry I had cooked and frozen earlier and we ate that with leftover rice and green beans and the last bit of pork curry.  There are leftovers for tomorrow, but, I'll probably order more groceries because daughter needs more half and half for her coffee and we could do with more fresh vegetables!

Are you starting to see the first spring flowers in your gardens?  

Starting a New Week on Monday

Avocado Pudding

I went to bed at 2:30 a.m. and slept till 9:30 a.m.  Then, I got up, turned the porch lights off, fed the cats, and went back to sleep!  I can honestly say that I slept all morning!  Daughter had woken up early and was doing her work when I finally came out of the bedroom.

Aunt C called in the afternoon and we had a very long chat for over one hour!  She was feeling lonely and she knows that I will listen to her stories of the past, even though I have heard them many times before.  To misquote John Milton, "They also serve who sit and listen"!  

In the evening, I walked a bit in the garden, took the kitchen waste to the compost pit, and picked some fresh oranges.  I cut up two of the oranges and daughter and I enjoyed them as a snack.  

Then, after daughter finished her work for the day, I had the robot vacuum cleaner vacuum the family room, dining area, and living room.  It was mostly good, today, and responded to the phone commands for the most part, but, there was a bit of confusion at one point (it was in the middle of a job and the phone was telling me that it was charging at its charging station!) and my daughter had to reset it!  But, what a blessing to have it working at a time like this when I am having issues with my leg!  I did a little light dusting in the living room and dining area, as well.

Daughter took the trash cans to the curb for me in the evening and later, she did the dishes and put some rice to cook while I cooked a green beans curry.  Brunch had been salmon sandwiches, with leftover baked salmon fillet as the filling.  We had freshly cooked rice and green beans with leftover pork curry and tomato chutney for dinner.  For dessert, I made avocado pudding with a large, ripe avocado, mashed with sweetened condensed milk.  I don't like guacamole or avocado toast or avocados in salads, etc.  For me, an avocado is a fruit to be made into a pudding and eaten as dessert.  

I put mung beans to soak overnight to boil for brunch, tomorrow.  Dinner will be chicken curry (from the freezer) with leftover rice and green beans. That's the extent of my meal planning for the week! I haven't planned any further than that!

On Monday, I am grateful for:

- Being able to sleep in
- Long phone chats with aunt
- Daughter's help with some of the household chores
- Fresh oranges from the garden
- The robot vacuum helping me to clean!

Today's joyful activity was crocheting.

Plans for tomorrow include doing a little more light housework and putting away some laundry.  

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

On Sunday

Bless' Waffle Station

I had a rather restless night, last night.  My leg was painful and my stomach was having some issues.  I woke up a couple of times to go to the toilet and had some trouble falling asleep again, but, eventually, I fell into a deep sleep and slept in.  Let's just say that I tacked on my afternoon nap to the night's sleep!  LOL!

I felt better when I woke up today and haven't felt as much leg pain today.  I made a pork curry with all the leftover pieces of pork that I hadn't already frozen and then, decided to make waffles for brunch.  But, I didn't want to stand to make waffles, so, I set up a little waffle making station in the living room!  I had my daughter place the side table in front of my arm chair and I made plain waffles and blueberry waffles.  We had the plain waffle with some of the pork curry and the blueberry waffles with syrup.  Around tea time, we snacked on the leftover waffles.  Later, for dinner, we had leftover rice and pork stir-fry from last night. 

In the late afternoon, I walked a little bit in the garden and up and down the driveway. 

The Plum Tree is Flowering

Last summer, we had about a dozen or so plums; I'm hoping that we'll have a few more than that, this year.

The nectarine tree has one flower blooming, but there are more buds on the tree:

The First Nectarine Flower

Last year, we didn't get any nectarines; I am hoping that we will get at least a few fruit, this year.

The Fuyu Persimmon Tree is Leafing Out

The fuyu persimmon tree is starting to leaf out!  Last year, we had one tiny fruit from this tree.  I am hoping that there will be more than one fruit to enjoy this year.

Much later in the evening, my leg hurt a bit, but, it was time to apply more of the ointment I was prescribed and the pain lessened.  

My aunt called in the evening and I spoke with her for a bit, then, played a few computer games and watered the indoor plants.  All in all, it was a good day.

Today, I was grateful for:

- Being able to sleep in
- Medication for the blood clot
- My daughter didn't have to leave today
- Phone calls and emails from family and friends
- What I was able to accomplish

Today's joyful activity was walking around the garden, checking on new growth.

Plans for tomorrow include cleaning out the fridge, maybe making a meal plan, taking the trash cans out, and crocheting.  Daughter will be working from home and I know that she has some online meetings, so, I will do some quiet activities in the background until she is done with her work.  

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

On Saturday

Mourning Doves

It's been a lovely sunny day, with an afternoon high in the upper 60s.  

I woke up feeling much better than I did, yesterday.  The blood clot is still there and the leg is still painful, but, I think it is getting better.  

I did two loads of laundry in the morning (although I haven't put them away, yet!)

In the early afternoon, neighbor S called and came over to see me and my daughter.  She brought us some gata (Armenian cookies).  She was happy that my daughter will stay another week, but, told me to call her if I needed anything.  She is such a wonderful neighbor and friend.

Later in the afternoon, my daughter and I went for a very short walk, up and down the driveway and in front of the house.  Just for 10 minutes or so as I didn't want my leg to hurt.  We saw these two mourning doves sitting together on one of the overhead power lines. 

Side By Side

Love was in the air!   There was a moment of fluttering wings and a high wire balancing act and we realized that the one with the ruffled feathers to left was the male!

After the Loving

Then there was a moment of billing and cooing and daughter and I left them to continue their courtship and went back inside!  LOL.

Daughter showed me how to log into the Hoopla website on my laptop, today, and I borrowed an e-book from the library!  Once, a few years ago, she had shown me how to download the app on my old cell phone and I borrowed an e-book, but, I didn't like reading it on my small phone screen, especially since I had to enlarge the print in order to be able to read it.  But, the laptop screen is big enough and I can read more than a couple of words at a time!  I read a couple of chapters of the book I borrowed (non-fiction; The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir); I think I will enjoy reading e-books, now.  

I had a scrambled egg and some fried potatoes for brunch while daughter finished up some leftovers.  For dinner, I made a stir-fry with slices of leftover pork roast (daughter cut the slices for me), onions, tomatoes, and broccoli and cooked a pot of rice.  Daughter enjoyed the dinner.  

Today, I am grateful for:

- Phone calls from my aunt and former neighbor T
- A visit from neighbor S
- A sunny day and a short walk with my daughter
- Feeling a little better
- Working appliances

Today's joyful activities included reading and crocheting.

I haven't made any plans for tomorrow.  Since daughter is not flying back out, tomorrow, we will spend a relaxed day, being together.  

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

Relaxing on Friday

Rose Leaves

The rose bushes are leafing out; hopefully, we'll have some roses, soon.

It was a mostly cloudy and cool day, on Friday.  It had been very windy, on Thursday due to the Santa Ana winds, but Friday was not as windy.  I woke up once at 9:00 a.m. to feed the cats and turn off the porch lights.  Then, I went back to bed and dozed until 10:00 a.m.  But, even after I had a cup of tea and said my morning prayers, etc., I felt, not exactly sleepy, but, very drained and unenergetic.  I suppose the events of the past few days and yesterday's diagnosis sort of took a toll on me.  However, as the morning went on, I felt better.  

I had a bowl of cereal for brunch, replied to blog comments (thank you, everyone for your well wishes) and read a few blogs. 

Daughter went for another walk with neighbor S's daughter in the afternoon.  Later, we chatted for a bit and she emailed her supervisor at work to ask if she could work from home, next week.  Her supervisor, who works remotely 100% of the time, was quite agreeable.  So, daughter extended her visit by one more week and rescheduled her flight to the following weekend.  I think we are both a little relieved to know that she will be with me for another week, just in case!  

I wore my compression socks all day, today, and have felt comfortable wearing them.  I'll probably take them off when I go to sleep, though.

In the evening, M tended to the garden and watered it as there is no more rain in the forecast.  

I made roast pork sandwiches for dinner (and daughter had some leftover soup from Tuesday's Italian meal, as well).  

On Friday, I was grateful for:

- Daughter was able to extend her visit by another week
- M's help with the garden
- Working appliances
- Phone calls from family and friends
- A relaxed day

Today's joyful activity was chatting on the phone with family and friends.

Plans for Saturday include more laundry (today, I handwashed one of my wool sweaters) and crafting.

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

On Thursday

Fresh Fruit Tart

On Thursday, I called the doctor's office at 8:00 a.m. (before they opened) and again at 9:00 a.m. (after they had opened) and left a couple of messages.  Then, when I didn't hear back from them within the hour, I messaged the doctor and the nurse called back a short time later, saying they had an opening at 1:30 p.m., if I would like to come in then.  I was happy to get that appointment.

I had originally planned to visit my cousins at 2:00 p.m., but, I let them know that I will have to push back the visit for later in the afternoon and they were both fine with that.

My daughter accompanied me to the doctor's office and the doctor confirmed that it was a blood clot, but, fortunately, it was a superficial thrombosis as opposed to a deep vein thrombosis which is more dangerous.  She was of the opinion that the superficial blood clot would go away after a few days.  She prescribed a blood thinner and gave me a topical ointment to apply for the pain.  She also prescribed a low dose aspirin and recommended I wear compression socks.  

Afterwards, we went to a local store in the next block to pick up one of the ointments she recommended.  It was a tiny little ethnic store, with groceries, a deli, some take away food, as well as a small stock of over the counter medications and it was well patronized!  

Then, we drove home and decided to go to my cousin's house, right away, having texted her that we were on our way.  We picked up a fruit tart from an Armenian bakery on the way and took it to my cousin's.  Cousin had put together a tray with cheese and crackers, stuffed peppers, and salami, etc., and my other cousin who was meeting us there brought some pastries (both savory and sweet) from a popular Cuban bakery.  So, we spent an hour or so visiting, chatting, and eating.  Just before we left, both cousins gave us several bags (five bags, to be exact!) of clothes they had decluttered!  We are to keep what we want and donate the rest.

On the way home, we stopped at the pharmacy to pick up the prescription my doctor had called in and I bought myself a pair of compression socks as well.

Then, we came home and had a cup of tea (me) and coffee (daughter).  Afterwards, I took a nap on the sofa!  I guess I was tired!

Later, my daughter went through the clothes and picked out the ones that she liked.  I will go through the remaining clothes to see if I want any of them.  I will offer the rest to my friend R and whatever she doesn't want will be donated.  If I do decide to take any clothes, I will have to declutter an equal number of items from my closet to make room for them!  

On Thursday, I was grateful for:

- Being able to get a same day appointment to be seen by the doctor
- Access to medical care
- The availability of medications
- Visiting with my cousins and their gifts of clothes
- A safe drive to the clinic, to my cousin's, and back home

Thursday's joyful activity was visiting with my cousins.

Plans for Friday include doing some laundry and tidying, plus tending to the garden with M in the evening.  

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