Yard

A short list of happy things:

• As I write it is rainy outside. The day began sunny though and I was able to go outside and do a small amount of work in the yard. Last fall we didn’t get things in the yards as cleaned up as we should have and so there is quite a long list of things now. I started small and only worked a little over an hour. The little bit I did looks a lot better now. It was an accomplishment for the day, and I am glad I got something done.

• I’m thankful for this day off from work when I could get some things done and also take it easy. I had a nice nap and did some self care.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Sewing

A few happy highlights from today:

• Seeing a friend at the studio. Keziah helped her hem a gown/garb. It was a nice visit and always good to see her. We have an event this weekend to prepare for.

• I have a friend who likes to paint his fingernails. He had one hand sparkly gold (from last week) and one sparkly blue (that he did today).  The blue was bright.  Both colors were happy looking.
• When Keziah and I got home from the studio around 8:30 PM, Zed had dinner ready for us. I'm so thankful for my family.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Daffodil Buds

Today's happy things:

• There were a few more things I learned training today for the Problem Solve position at work, but mostly I did the parts that I learned yesterday. Tomorrow I am supposed to be scheduled there again.  It is nice to be learning new things and actually working with a person.
• Work had a party of sorts today. There was a sausage truck making sandwiches, as well as popcorn, drinks, and cotton candy. There were also games set up to play.  
• There are daffodil buds growing!  Spring!

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Work Remembered

Happy things from Tuesday:

• I survived my first ever rides using Lyft. For some reason both drivers' GPS wanted the house to be on the other side of the road.
• The supervisor I spoke with last week not only was awesome about getting me the Lyft rides, she remembered to set me up to be trained in Problem Solve. I spent the whole shift learning about and solving problems at work. It was nice to be able to learn new things. This was probably the first full day I have worked since starting this job that I didn’t have my 10,000 step count finished when I left.
• My grandson, Gideon, had his trial day at the school he is hoping to attend in the fall.  Currently he is homeschooled and this would place him in a Montessori school.  He really enjoyed it and was very excited to have had this opportunity to experience a day there.
• The ice cream/sandwich shop across the street opened yesterday and Keziah and Zed got me my favorite, peppermint stick ice cream. It was how I treated myself after pacing to get my step count in.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy World Theatre Day

Today's happy things:

• They say that "hope springs eternal", so I planted seeds again. I think the greenhouse got too hot during the day so I am leaving it open to help prevent cooking the seeds again. I have the seeds, so I may as well try.

• I found more crocuses blooming. Some that I planted in the triangle part of the driveway, and some in the yard near where previous owners had a pool.

• The car I drive to work is still being repaired. Keziah needs her van so I am using Lyft for the very first time. Work is paying for it. I'm nervous, but happy that I should have a ride.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Crocuses!

Keziah, Zed’s mom, and I went to an open house at the Montessori school where Keziah and Zed are planning to send Gideon next school year. The people we met seemed really nice and I liked the relaxed atmosphere. There were some students there to talk with as well and they were very happy with the school.  I walked there and got the added bonus of some fresh air.  Other happy things from today:

• There are crocuses that have bloomed in the triangle part of the yard! I was worried because I let the area go and there are a lot of weeds. The town snowblower threw a bunch of dirt onto the area that I need to clean up too. There is still snow, so not yet.

• We had friends come over and visit. They have a new foster child that they are hoping to adopt so it was nice meeting them too.
• Zed introduced the friends to his Oculus Quest 2 VR system. I saw some awesome moves as they moved along trying to hit things they saw on the viewer.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

I Went For a Walk

It was a long day and I am very tired.  Here are some happy things:

• It was cold, but I went outside for a walk anyway. It was wonderful. There were birds singing and chirping. That helped remind me why walking outside can be better than pacing inside the house. I saw red-winged blackbirds, chickadees, crows, turkeys, and more.

• There were trees along my walk with buds growing. Soon the buds will be leaves.

• Part of where I walked through was an old mill area.  The mill buildings now have dance studios or medical offices in them.  Railroad tracks run through.

• After the walk I went to the Scribe Schola to learn about calligraphy and illumination. Keziah taught two classes.  I attended at least four of the classes offered.  Whether I practice anything I learned or not is another question entirely.  

• It was great to see people until that time of day when I got tired. I made it through and it was good.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Sump

Some happy things from this Friday:

• During the colder times of the year I try to make a point to go into the cellar and check the oil levels so we don't run out of heat. In the warmer months I try to do this at least once a month so we don't run out of hot water. There is a sump hole that has had water in it the last few times I have been down there. We don't have a sump pump so I was dreading checking the oil today since we have had a lot of snow melt. I am happy to say that the sump water level has gone down and it hasn't reached the top to flow onto the actual floor yet. The fact that the sump hole exists means that this is a possibility though.

Less snow!

• Keziah and I went to craft night.  Some friends were going to be there for the first time and we wanted to be there. It was great to listen to stories and get to know them better.  
• There was a beautiful crescent moon in the sky with either Jupiter or Venus below it.  

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Movies and Deep Thoughts

A few happy things and odd thoughts from today:

• A few days ago I saw an article about movies and shows that were being removed from Netflix this month. Most of these shows I had never heard of, but a few I was interested in watching. Earlier this week I watched Labyrinth. It has been years since seeing that movie and it was a nice after work escape. Today I chose to watch a movie that was aimed at teens, The F**k-It List. It basically posed the question of what would you do if you had nothing to lose, no fear? I’m old… not a teenager or young twenty-something… that question is hard for me. Hard in that fear is too well established in my being to have a list like that. Not just fear, the reality of consequences is, well, real. Although I do wonder if I am afraid of being happy? Anyhow, I will stick to my bucket list, which already seems unattainable. It was a nice watch though.
• One of the things Gideon, my grandson, is supposed to do for school every day is to write. Tonight at dinner he read a poem that he wrote today. He is quite good.
• The only seedling that has made it so far is the one marigold. I’m happy that it is still doing okay.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Work and Stuff

Some happy things from today:

• For the two days I have been there this week, they have served us food at work. Yesterday's meal was better than today’s, in my opinion. I have no idea what the occasion is that we are getting meals. I'm hopeful for something else tomorrow.
• One of the supervisors was asking some general questions to various staff members and I was one of them. I was also given the opportunity to ask questions and so I told her how I've been waiting to learn Problem Solve. She said that training would start next week for me. I will believe this when I see it… but I'm happy that I said something and got a positive response.
• Without getting into specifics, TF had surgery Monday to remove a tumor.  So far she is recovering well and I am relieved and happy by this.
• The last few cat pictures were of Nanni, so today you get a picture of Winston being sleepy.  😊

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Thankful

The first part of my work day I was thankful for the help that I got from people. Most of the rest of the day I was helping with safety so people were thanking me and I got to say you're welcome. Here are some other happy things from today:

• Until the car gets fixed we are a one vehicle family. Zed brought me to work and Keziah picked me up. I'm happy that I was able to go to work. The rest of the week I'll be able to use the van.
• Our cat, Nanni, curled up next to Keziah on the comfy couch.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy Spring!

Yesterday we drove 75 miles south where snow was scarce. Today, in the backyard, snow is not scarce, but it is definitely going away.  Happy first day of spring! Here are some happy things:

• Our cats are not lap cats. They will be near their people, walk over their people, but seldom do they rest on a lap. This morning Nanni jumped up onto my lap, remained there, getting scratched, for maybe ten seconds before jumping off. Progress.
• The temperatures are rising and there are other signs of spring. Prior to last week's snow storm I found a few plants that were coming up. I am happy to say that they weathered the storm with no obvious ill effects.

• I also noticed two crocuses that have broken through. I have a huge amount of yard work that I should be doing, but I’m not there yet.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Colors

Keziah, Zed, Gideon, and I all traveled to Massachusetts to help a friend move. As we drove south there was less snow and more signs of spring. 

No snow at our friend's new home.

I was reminded of many years ago when I drove with my two children (Keziah and Bel) and my mother to Washington DC one spring to see the cherry blossoms. In NH the leaves hadn't opened yet but as we drove south things got more and more green. It was lovely and a happy memory. Now my mother is gone and I am a grandmother. Here are some happy things from today:

• My current position in the SCA is being the Baroness of Stonemarche. My task for today was to paint the bathroom. It turns out that the last time our friend moved, the previous Baron helped by painting the bathroom. It was a memory she shared with me while helping me paint around a light fixture.
• The bathroom was yellow, and now it is pink. I think I did okay getting it painted. Sometimes our happy things have to do with helping others be happy or relieving their stress. The pictures don't do a good job of showing the colors accurately.

• We went out for ice cream on the way home. I got cake batter flavored with rainbow sprinkles. It was sweet and colorful.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Garb Schola

Today was an SCA event called Garb Schola. It was a day filled with classes that were themed around creating clothing for SCA purposes. Here are some happy highlights:

• Seeing the mountains on the drive to and from the event.

• Getting to hear stories from a friend about the early days in the SCA.
• Learning about fabric and how durable it can be throughout the years. Apparently cats like to shred gauze fabric.
• Helping out with kitchen cleanup.  
• Just being able to spend time with Keziah and friends.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

For St. Patrick’s Day I wore green and wished the few people I saw a happy day. Other than that it was a normal Friday for me. I walked (inside), napped, and played Minecraft. Other happy things:

• We had macaroni and cheese for dinner. It was not what I expected when I woke from my nap, but it was very welcome.
• I pretty much always wear two pairs of socks. Two pairs means more cushioning and supposedly less chance to blister. It isn’t perfect but I am used to it now and find it very comfortable. Today they were both St. Patrick’s Day themed.

• Proof of life and green selfie:

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Nap Day

The not so good news from today is that the car is broken and it will be expensive to fix. It isn't quite enough to buy a replacement car instead, I don't think, but it is close. All things considered, it could have been worse. Some happy things for today:

• A friend made corned beef and cabbage for an early St. Patrick's Day meal and shared some with us. It was good, and we have thoughtful friends. 
• Apparently, March 13th was National Napping Day.  For me, Thursdays are nap days. I slept hard this afternoon and I'm still tired. Thankfully, the family made sure I got up for dinner. We had a nice meal at the table. Keziah has been busy cleaning and downsizing things, like the table area, and the house is looking great. I wish I had her energy!
• Keziah has been finding things while cleaning.  Yesterday she found $10, today she found my bag with my coloring book and pencils.  She also found a puzzle that I might do soon.  
  

Nanni!
She is wondering why I am pointing a phone at her again!

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Ides of March

The photo memories that popped up today are reminding me of when I was trying to make hats. It makes me want to try again. Here are some happy things from today:

• Last night the snow was pretty in the dark.

• According to the internet, we got seventeen inches of snow with yesterday's storm. Other parts of the state got over three feet! Wow. I'm glad we didn't get that much and we had electricity the whole time.
• I spent much of the afternoon sitting in a car repair shop waiting to find out why the car started sounding like it was falling apart. Keziah came to get me so we can leave the car for more work. I'm really happy that this didn't happen yesterday in the middle of the snowstorm or a few weeks ago when Keziah’s van was getting worked on.
• Because it is the Ides of March I was greeted by a friend with “Happy stabby stabby day!” and Keziah got pizza from Little Caesars.  The silliness of my family and friends is a good thing.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy Pi Day

When I left to go to work very early this morning the rain had started turning to snow and the snow wasn't sticking to the ground yet. When I left work to come home there was perhaps three inches on my car and the snow was coming down fast. I left just before 9:00 AM, so about three hours early. Work itself went alright. We only processed packages going to where the expected snow totals were lower. Other happy things from today:

• The drive home was not fun, but I made it home safely.
• I have a problem with paper…as in I don't throw it away enough. Today Keziah went through some boxes and I watched (and helped) as paper parts of my life got disposed of. This is a good thing even if I find it overwhelming after a short time. This type of thing going out of my life is good.

• Zed's mom made a blueberry muffin cake thing that was very delicious. I’m not sure if she knew that today was Pi Day. I’m happy that something pi shaped was made.

Obligatory picture of the snow fall around mid afternoon.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

A Storm is Coming

There is a storm coming.  Hopefully the last of the season.  Others have posted on Facebook about seeing crocuses and other early spring flowers coming up. I have no signs of crocus, but there are other plants popping through. I think daffodils and maybe lilies? 

Tomorrow they will be covered with snow.  Other happy things from today:

• Keziah was looking everywhere for her pen and couldn't find it… she had stuck it in her hair.

• After doing some quick math I figured out that today marks 42 years since I first got my driver’s license. What does this mean? I feel old!  😂

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Gideon

Some happy things from today:

• The seeds I planted aren’t doing well. That one marigold that came up is still hanging on though. Yay! 

The Marigold

• My eleven year old grandson, Gideon, had himself wrapped in a blanket while on his computer this morning. He told me that he accidentally made a burrito out of the blanket that our cat, Nanni, got into. She was like a “piece of cheese in a burrito.”

Nanni in her blanket burrito.

• Gideon went to meet a new friend today at a place with trampolines. He came home happy with a bounce in his step that was an interesting mix of happy and achy.

☮

Currently listening to: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Presents!

Yesterday I got so much sleep that I didn't get enough sleep last night. This was unfortunate because I had plans. Thankfully I have awesome friends that understand my weird schedule and why I fell asleep while visiting. Other happy things from today:

• There is a recipe I found a few years ago for Pull Apart Garlic Bread. It is really yummy and was my contribution to go with dinner with friends. I made it this morning and everyone seemed to like it.
• My friend has a new-to-her floor loom that she wanted to show me. It needs a couple of parts but is in really good shape other than that. I look forward to seeing what she produces with it.
• She and her husband picked up some small gifts for Keziah and me. The windmill is for Keziah and the Pelican for me.

☮

Finished listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Cleaning, Check!

If you read yesterday’s blog you may remember that I got a lot of sleep before writing it. I did go back to bed a while after writing the blog and fell asleep again. According to my FitBit I slept (broken into pieces) over twelve hours in a twenty-four hour period. And I was able to nap this afternoon in preparation to play Minecraft tonight. Other happy things from today:

• There are a few things I need to do for the SCA event I go to every year in August. Since I run the camp of about thirty people I need to register for that camp. I should have done that in January, but I did do that today. 
• I also registered myself to go to the event so that is paid for. 
• I got some cleaning done before my nap. It feels good to get things checked off my list. 
• Gideon, my grandson, is homeschooled. Today he started reading a book about the Revolutionary War. There were quite a few terms that he needed defined. Things like a malt house (tavern) and crying fish (when yelling out to sell something like fish). Terms that just aren’t used as much anymore. That was fun trying to remember what some things were.  Of course, I had to ask for the context because when someone just says, "What is 'crying fish?'" I needed more information too.  🙃

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Sleep

It was Thursday so I took a nap after work and my midday meal. 5 PM is when I set my alarm to wake me up. After turning off the alarm, I woke up at 6:30 PM. Dinner with the family was nice. Zed and Keziah went out with some friends after and I lay myself down on the couch for a few minutes. And this is why I am writing my blog after 2 AM on Friday. I awoke enough to hear family members move around and go to bed themselves, but I did not. Apparently I needed to sleep. Here are my other few happy things from today:

• The new equipment at work is interesting. I worked in that section last night. At the beginning of the aisle the packages are scanned so it knows where to push them off. The belt is made to move the packages down the aisle and when the package is at the correct bin it rolls the package off and into the bin. I'm glad I got to work in that area and have this new experience. 
• They scheduled me to work as a Safety Champion again. I’m really enjoying doing this part of the job. I think it is the combination of helping people and the type of physical activity that is involved. 
• Since, other than work, all I did was eat and sleep (I'm glad I did DuoLingo before my first nap); have a Bitmoji!

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Just a few happy things from today:

• Last night I got word that a friend has had a baby. A cute baby boy. I'm so happy for all the new babies that have come into the world recently.
• My daughter, Keziah, is home from her visit with her father in Texas. It was wonderful to sit and talk with her today. She came back rejuvenated.
• While she was gone, the cat bridge fell down. The cats like to sharpen their teeth on it. She fixed it today.

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Simple Things

There is new equipment up and running at work. Apparently today was day two and there were problems to work out, but today went better. I didn't get to work in that area though and know very little.
Happy things from today:

• There was a beautiful full moon when I left for work in the middle of the night. With the snow it was very light outside.
• There was some lovely bird song when I got home from work this afternoon. I didn't see what kind for sure, but at least some sounded like chickadees. 
• After I ate, I was still hungry so I went looking through the pantry closet. I was pleasantly surprised to find vanilla meringues that I bought and forgot about last week. They were very good and melted in my mouth.

Tomorrow, March 8, 2023 is International Women's Day.

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

National Dress Day

Had I known, before writing this blog, that today was National Dress Day, I may have worn a skirt.  None of my dresses (except the medieval ones) would be appropriate for the cold weather.

Some happy things from today:

• When I am at home, most of my mornings are spent walking around the house to get my steps in. Somehow, I miss liking walking in the snow. Maybe next year I will appreciate the snow again. I’m very thankful that my family seems to humor me as I wander around in circles and get in their way.
• The seedlings need more light. I set up one of the grow lights I have to shine onto the greenhouse. It isn’t ideal, but it should provide them more light than they had before.
• There are a few more seeds that have sprouted. So far the only ones that are sprouting seem to be the basil.

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Sunshine After Snow

After watching some planting videos, I repotted the one marigold that sprouted last week. I'm not sure if it will make it but it was time to remove that seedling from the covered seed starter tray.  Other happy things from today:

• In my struggle with depression I try to choose comedies to watch when I am by myself. When watching things with family or friends we tend toward Sci-Fi and Fantasy. Today I put on a movie that actually made me laugh out loud. Most of the comedies I've been watching lately have brought about chuckles but not much more. Don't ask me the name of the movie. It had Amy Poehler in it though.
• I was reading a nature blog by someone in NH and they have seen crocuses and other spring flowers already breaking through the ground. We had enough snow yesterday that would have buried any here if they are up. However, I decided to look for signs of spring outside by examining the rose bush. Sure enough, there are the tiniest beginnings of new growth. The camera didn't capture it well but the sunshine was pretty.

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.

Snowy Day

Sleep… I went to rest for a bit and woke up over four hours later. Working overnight has really changed my sleeping routines. Here are some happy things from today:

• We had a snow storm. Again I am happy that Zed has someone to come and plow us out. I got the van cleaned off and shoveled out and tomorrow the plow will be back to clean things up. I’m not sure what the final numbers are but it seems like around eight inches.

• My friend, who recently had a baby, sent me a bunch of pictures today. So adorable! I’m hoping to get to visit them soon.

☮

Currently listening to: The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner

Currently reading: Camino Wandering, by Tara Marlow

Thank you for being part of my happy things. Stay safe.