Samu and Dana - past, present and future

Summer in Europe - prepare for a harsh winter

As discussed at some length in yesterday's blog the UK summer has seen high temperatures, high inflation and a cost of living crisis. There are forecasts of winter blackouts due to the price of gas and electricity. Currently, the UK is reporting that our electricity costs 4 times as much as our gas.

What am I doing to prepare?

I'm following the advice in yesterday's blog, I'll be checking on my supply of cupboard staples - rice, pasta, dried milk, water, tomato sauce, canned and dried soups, cereal & oatmeal/porridge, mixed nuts, dried fruit, canned beans, canned corn, canned tuna and potatoes.

As well as my baking pantry items - baking soda, baking powder, corn starch, white sugar, brown sugar, shortening, chocolate chips, flour.

The basic herbs, spices & oils: cinnamon, sea salt, paprika, oregano, basil, garlic powder, dried onion, pepper, olive oil and vegetable oil.

My freezer essentials generally include frozen spinach, frozen green beans, frozen broccoli and cauliflower, whole chicken, chicken breasts, thighs (great value), chicken drumsticks, beef–best value cuts, beef mince, and meatballs. Whitefish – haddock, cod. Pink fish – tuna, salmon. Seafood – prawns/shrimp. Pork – bacon, pork chops. Lamb IF it can be found cheaply enough (prices have been high for a long-time).

Longer-term we are looking to go more plant-centric and to that end, we are planning to modify the small garden plot we have to enable us to grow our own veg. This is at very early stages and will be an ongoing project, in collaboration with a volunteer group I work for.

Extending lovingkindness (dana/generosity) aka social engagement

As I check my supply stores I can consider my budget, and see if I can make a donation to the local food bank - not only of items but my physical support too. I can also look at the items I own and if they no longer serve a purpose in my life but still have life in them I can donate them. Similarly, I can look at items I can make and donate my knowledge, skills, support and time.

Past projects

In the August 25th post I explore what Samu is. Generally, it is working for the community. I volunteer with the local waste warriors; litter-picking and digital support. I support the sangha digitally too. Before summer I supported a local library/mental health group, and will be picking this back up over the coming months. Past projects here included an occupational therapy chalk walk for their nursery and heart health groups to use, as well as other members of the public. Fictional place signposts for the young adult section. Support for a A-level art student. Silk elephant hearts for a bereavement group and displaying children's handprints in the children's zone in the shape of a dandelion with a message. Last year I made a friend with rheumatism, a number of crocheted shawls and fingerless gloves. I will share, eventually, the patterns I have for my crochet.

Present projects:

Over summer and throughout autumn I will be making each member of my family a blanket for winter. This is mostly based on crochet treble stitch (UK).

I continue my digital support as my health conditions have affected my levels of mobility.

Future projects:

As I finish the project for family, I will again turn my attention to friends and community, this co-insides with my health and mobility returning to somewhat of an even keel. As part of my ango movement practice, I will be out again litter-picking. I will be reconnecting with the library and will be looking to set up art workshops, offering support to other artists that request it and looking towards supporting my family in some self-employment from this, and helping others to do similar.