Yesterday the Muslims of the world celebrated the Eid al Adha, The Holiday of the Sacrifice, commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham’s obedient response to God’s order of sacrificing his son. This sacrificial agreement by the prophet of course is rewarded by finding a slain lamb instead of his son. The Muslims all over the world celebrate this event by offering a similar sacrifice of a lamb/sheep/camel or cow.
This event coincides with the pilgrimage called Hajj. Several million Muslims gather in Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform this once in a life time requisite of Islam. Those who have already done The Hajj, or have not gone on the pilgrimage, celebrate the day with prayers at the mosques and getting together with other Muslims and friends and sharing meals.
Yesterday everyone got together here in our home. Usually I have a huge spread with different American and Indian dishes. Due to the set back of my health, the kids didn’t want me to do anything at all. I decided that instead of Indian food, I would get beef tenderloin and bake it, and told the kids to bring a dish to go along with that. However, M’s widowed sister and his brother who live in St. Louis came over the day before; she had brought several Indian dishes along with her.
I got a six pound tenderloin and slow baked it in the oven. Saadia brought a fantastic salad with avocados, almonds, cucumbers, and mixed greens and she made a wonderful light dressing of balsamic vinaigrette. Shelley brought a pasta with pesto sauce, and a most delicious potato casserole. There were cakes and brownies and I had made a typical Indian dessert of vermicelli in cream with slivered almonds.
My sister in law’s son and his wife drove up in the morning in their Lotus car. That was an eye candy to behold! Wish I had taken a picture. In all, I had about 14 or 15 people. We just spread out all over the house and deck, with our plates, and had a wonderful time.
In other news, I am doing better with health. The cardiac rehab is going good, and today I even took a walk outside to Saadia’s home… two blocks. Got a glass of cold water there, and returned home. Felt good.
I took three pictures and saved them to my documents. I am not able to bring them out so I can post them here. Sorry about that.
I’m so glad you had a good day yesterday! It sounds as if the food was a nice mix of American and Indian, but it’s good that everybody brought some, rather than you having to do all the cooking! A walk outside must have felt wonderful — I’m happy you could do that!
We now have two major fires burning — one began yesterday, and the other today, on opposite ends of the LA Basin (one near Beaumont, on the way out to Palm Springs, and the other between Glendale and Burbank). Both started small, but exploded in the first few hours to >1,000 acres! It’s still very hot, and will be for at least 2-3 more days!
Much love and hugs
I was glad that every one helped out. Everyone has gone back, and I slept almost all day yesterday and several hours today!
I am sorry there is so much havoc with the fires around your neck of the woods Janet… even though they are not anywhere near where you live. Still, I am sure that the smoke and heat was un-nerving.
Yes the walk outside felt good. Will continue to do that as much as possible.
Love and hugs to you.
Sounds wonderful. I’m glad you are doing so well, and surrounded by love.
Yeah Lynn, being surrounded by love, is so uplifting. I am blessed.
Glad you feel better
Thank you dear heart. Love.
Your welcome
I’m so glad you are doing better. Sounds like a wonderful, loving and fun celebration.
love and hugs, my friend.
Elizabeth, thank you so much for a sweet comment. I hope you and yours are doing very well. Love and hugs to you too.
Sounds like a wonderful holiday. Glad you are feeling well – big gatherings like that are taxing even when we feel perfect.
I knowwww! Even though I didn’t really do too much I was extremely exhausted. Yesterday after the last of the relatives left, I headed for my bed, Slept till noon, got up to feed myself some food, then went right back to bed and slept till 5:30!! And THEN, was tired enough to go back to bed by ten, and slept till almost eight this morning.
I cannot remember when I slept like that, ever!
But, it was a good day to celebrate with friends and relatives.
Glad you could spend the holiday with loved ones! How precious to be with them again!
Continued prayers and healing wishes for your recovery, SweetZ!
HUGS!!! 🙂
Hooray! You made it all the way to Saadia’s house!! I’m glad to hear that you are getting your stamina back. I know you are surrounded by loving and caring family and that has to make your recovery all the easier. The holiday celebration sounds wonderful and I bet the food tasted delicious – even if I can’t see it! Take care!
I’m behind in my reading. It’s good to read that you’re recovering and thanks for your last couple of comments too. I can practically smell the food from here.
Thanks for this lovely description! I will use this knowledge in the book I am writing! My boyfriend works for Muslim employers and always gets this day off but he could not tell me the meaning of the holiday as a holiday is a holiday to him! Just catching up on reading your blog from this month! Much ❤️!!!!